Fiscal Communication Focus of Joint Task Force

The 11-member Joint Executive-Legislative Task Force on Fiscal Improvement holds its first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.  The Task Force’s stated purpose is to review and discuss the county’s fiscal status, explore recommendations and propose actions to improve its financial standing and fiscal bond rating.

The five legislators on the Task Force, appointed by Harriet Cornell, chairwoman of the legislature, are Majority Leader Michael Grant, Minority Leader Frank Sparaco, Legislators Alden Wolfe, Ilan Schoenberger and Nancy Low-Hogan. The five county employees, who were appointed by the county executive are: the County Executive’s Chief of Staff Sean Mathews, Commissioner of Personnel Joan Silverstri, Director of Purchasing Paul Brennan, Director of Consumer Protection Terry Grosselfinger and Chief Assistant County Attorney Antonio Reda. The Commissioner of Finance Stephen DeGroat is a member by virtue of his office. 

“I am looking forward to seeking solutions to our fiscal challenges,” said Wolfe, vice chairman of the legislature. “My goal for the Task Force is the free, open and unfettered exchange of information concerning the County’s fiscal strength, operations and stability.   I foresee the flow of information to be most beneficial in helping us to be more timely and responsive to this complicated and evolving situation. Subsequent monitoring by the Task Force will allow us to measure the success of the actions taken and if necessary, to implement corrective actions in a timely manner.”

Wolfe, who proposed the legislation approved by the legislature in May, will serve as the chairman of the Task Force.

“This Task Force will continue the efforts of the Legislative and Executive branches to work together and prevent problems from occurring in the first place,” said Cornell. “If we all have access to current information, we will be better able to serve the residents of Rockland efficiently.  This will complement the local law passed last year requiring multi-year budgeting and mid-year Financial Improvement Plans by providing advance input from both branches of county government.”

Its objectives are listed as outline goals, identify scope of work, identify issues, updates on issues, plans for followup and schedule future meetings. The Task Force meets in the legislature’s chambers at 11 New Hempstead Road in New City and the meeting is open to the public.