August 28, 2013

Maragos: Government Transparency Upheld By
NY State Highest Court Landmark Ruling

Mineola, NY- The New York State Court of Appeals yesterday denied the Town of North Hempstead’s third attempt to prevent the Nassau County Comptroller’s Office from conducting an audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District. New York State’s highest court has now affirmed that the Nassau County Comptroller, and potentially all County Comptrollers throughout the State, have the authority to audit not only town special districts but the towns themselves.

“This is a landmark ruling that will have long range ramifications in opening local governments to more oversight and accountability,” said Comptroller George Maragos. “We appreciate Supervisor Jon Kaiman’s cooperation in the last few months in allowing the Comptroller to proceed with the audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District.”

For over two years and three court appeals, the Town of North Hempstead challenged the County Comptroller’s Charter authority to audit the town’s special districts costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars and hindering transparency.

Connect with Nassau County Comptroller Maragos Online:
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/index.html