The towns of Van Buren and Salina have entered into an intermunicipal agreement to share a comptroller.
Gregg Maxwell, who has been working with both towns on a part-time basis, has been hired by both municipalities to work three days in Salina and two days in Van Buren. He had previously worked an average of 10 to 12 hours per week in Van Buren for four years and a few hours per week in Salina for the past year.
According to Van Buren Supervisor Claude Sykes, there was a need in both Van Buren and Salina for additional comptroller support.
“[Salina Supervisor Mark Nicotra and I] reached out to each other to determine how we might be able to satisfy the needs of our towns without each employing a full-time comptroller in each location,” Sykes said. “We also both realized the difficulty in finding a qualified, experienced person to fill the position. This opportunity presented itself when the Town of Geddes could not re-appoint Mr. Maxwell at their organizational meeting around the first of the year.”
According to Sykes, the comptroller’s position is one that does not deal directly with the public and is kind of out sight and out of mind; however, it is necessary to track the accounting and budget monies and to insure compliance with New York State municipal financial guidelines.
With 38 years of accounting experience, 16 of which are in the municipal field, Maxwell has the experience to meet both towns’ needs. He will also assume the post of president of the New York State Government Finance Officers Association on April 1.
In Van Buren, Maxwell will continue the accounting and budget work he has been providing. He will also have expanded duties that include providing assistance on HR related items, union negotiations, insurance reviews and revisions and other duties assigned within his area of expertise.
Splitting his time 60/40 between the two municipalities, Maxwell will be an employee of the Town of Van Buren. The two towns will split his salary ($80,000) and benefits, 60/40 as well—60 percent covered by Salina, 40 percent by Van Buren. Sykes said the agreement saves the town approximately $48,000 in salary, which is the 60 percent portion that Salina is picking up.
“This agreement also allows each town the chance to obtain comptroller services at the level each town needs and does not create a situation where there would be excess capacity in that office,” Sykes said. “When this opportunity came about, it was the answer to our needs. I believe this arrangement will be advantageous to both Salina and Van Buren and for the taxpayers we both serve.”
Maxwell is currently serving as the Geddes Town Comptroller as well as continuing his part-time service in the towns of Van Buren and Salina. Both town boards passed this agreement unanimously and signed the agreement Feb. 14, which will commence on March 1.
“Geddes’ loss is truly our gain. Gregg brings with him a vast knowledge of local government that will be of great benefit in aiding us with increased efficiencies, and helps fill a void within Salina’s Comptroller’s office,” Nicotra said. “This is another example of local governments working together for the benefit of their residents.”
