Wallkill Valley Times Jul. 25 2018

Vol. 36, No. 30 3 WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 Perego takes the wheel 3 ONE DOLLAR Business profiles Special section Page 38 w w w .W a l l k i l l V a l l e y T i m e s . n e t Town’s fund balance is questioned Leahy requests Town of Montgomery audit Climate smart Recycling cans installed in Gardiner Park By LAURA FITZGERALD [email protected] An operational review of the Town of Montgomery prompted a request for a state audit after $9 million in cash funds were found in the town’s funds. Town of Montgomery Supervisor Rodney Winchell contracted RBT CPAs, LLP to review the town’s finances and operation procedures from 2014 to 2017, before Winchell came into office. The company presented their initial report in a heated town audit/work session on July 19. Bill Cochran, partner with RBT, said the town has $9 million in cash spread out over several funds. He said he can’t conclude that the town is overtaxing its residents until the budget is studied further, but past administrations might have overbudgeted. “They need to manage their cash better and they’re not,” Cochran said. Winchell said the surplus has built up over a decade rather than being invested in the town, which needs updates in the town hall, police department, fire and water and sewer systems. The review prompted Maybrook Mayor Dennis Leahy to contact the NYS State Comptrollers and requested an audit of the town’s finances. He said the town’s finances have been mismanaged while its infrastructure falls into disrepair. Continued on page 20 Photos provided Gardiner residents donate their time and money in order to get recycling cans installed in Majestic Park. By LAURA FITZGERALD [email protected] Visitors to Majestic Park in Gardiner might notice a new functional art project: brightly painted recycling cans with depictions of Gardiner’s public spaces. A group of local residents saw an opportunity to help the environment and beautify the park with a fun project. “Our family utilizes Majestic Park year-round; from summer to sledding. Continued on page 2 SERVING CRAWFORD, GARDINER, MAYBROOK, MONTGOMERY, PINE BUSH, SHAWANGUNK, WALDEN AND WALLKILL