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       May 25, 2000

Dems eye consolidation of Commissioner of Accounts office to save $1.3 M


A cost-saving initiative to consolidate the County's Office of the Commissioner of Accounts will go before the full legislature on Wednesday, May 31. If approved, this measure will consolidate the primary functions of the department to other pre-existing departments within the County Executive's administration. When fully implemented in year 2001, this legislation will save the County over $1.3 million. The move to consolidate was also discussed by the Republican Minority and the plan has received bi-partisan support.

The initiative is included in the Majority's Fiscal 2000 Recovery Plan, in which Democrats targeted $100 million in savings, if implemented by 2001. The plan was submitted to the County Executive earlier this month.

"The Democratic Majority is committed to achieving three specific goals," said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), "balancing the Fiscal 2000 Budget, developing a realistic four-year plan and implementing governmental reforms that eliminate waste and improve efficiency. The consolidation of the Commissioner of Accounts is one move in that direction."

The Commissioner of Accounts provides oversight and deals with matters of ethics. The office was created in 1966, prior to the formation of the Legislature. Its original intent was to serve as an ombudsman between the County Executive and the public. However, with the advent of the Legislature, many believe that the functions of the office are no longer needed.

Once acted upon, this legislation will require a referendum to become law.