Board Asks State To Audit Finances, Policies

The Huntington Town Board debates Tuesday a proposal to send a request to the office of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli for an audit of town finances, policies and procedures. The proposal was later approved, 4-1. Long Islander News photos/Connor Beach

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

In one of its first actions of 2018, the Huntington Town Board pushed for a state comptroller audit of town finances, policies and procedures.

The resolution, which was approved, 4-1, with Councilman Mark Cuthbertson voting against it, calls for officials from the Office of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to conduct the audit in hopes of determining potential changes and whether new performance standards should be implemented.

Cuthbertson called the proposed audit a waste of town resources, citing a previous audit conducted by the state three years ago.

“I just think this is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money… a shot at the prior administration,” Cuthbertson said.

Refuting the claim was Councilman Gene Cook, who sponsored the resolution and voted in favor of it with Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci and Councilman Ed Smyth -- all three of whom are new members to the board.

Cook said, “Any business owner knows that if they are going to be buying a new business they want to check all the records. It’s as simple as that.

“I think it’s important for the new supervisor to know exactly what’s going on and have the state comptroller come in and look the books over.”

Cuthbertson suggested that, before looking to the state, the new town board members instead take time to meet with outside auditors who are currently paid by the town to conduct yearly audits.

Cergol said that, although she believes a state audit is unlikely to occur, she would welcome one.

“If there is one, I think it will prove that we run a tight ship,” said Cergol, who previously served as the director of the Town of Huntington Community Development Agency 

Lupinacci after the meeting called the resolution a “simple request” and said he would welcome “any recommendations” the state can make.