Councilmember Lurvey Introduces Fiscal Impact Legislation

Town Councilmember Veronica Lurvey has taken a significant step toward promoting transparency and good governance in North Hempstead by introducing legislation to amend Chapter 24 of the Town Code. This critical resolution, which requires that the fiscal impacts of actions taken by the Town Board be known in advance of decision-making, aims to provide crucial information to support informed decision-making processes.

The need for this legislation arises from the Town’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and ensuring that all decisions made by the Town Board align with the best interests of the community. Councilmember

Lurvey recognizes the importance of understanding the financial implications of proposed resolutions, as it directly affects the well-being of the Town and its residents.

Councilmember Lurvey’s resolution stands in stark contrast to the competing resolution put forth by Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, which had been previously voted down. DeSena’s resolution, by insisting that her personal finance director serve as the sole authority for fiscal matters, appeared to have political motives at its core.

In contrast, Lurvey’s legislation removes all politics from the equation by designating the Town’s Comptroller, whose office oversees audits, the Annual

Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and other financial matters, as the authority responsible for reviewing the budgetary impact of each resolution. This decision ensures an independent and impartial assessment of the fiscal impacts, safeguarding the interests of our community and promoting good government practices. The current Comptroller, who was unanimously appointed after a long bi-partisan search process, is in the best position to make financial decisions that benefit the Town.

“My legislation represents a good government initiative aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making,” said Coun- cilmember Lurvey. “The Town Board’s decision-making process cannot be held hostage by the Supervisor’s hand-picked appointee. The Comptroller will better ensure that we have access to pertinent financial information in advance of voting, so that we can make more informed choices that best reflect the needs and priorities of our residents.”

Despite being previously voted down, DeSena is attempting to have it brought to another vote. The underlying motives and potential conflicts of interest associated with the Supervisor’s resolution raise concerns about its true intent and impartiality. In contrast, Council Member Lurvey’s comprehensive and fair approach to fiscal impact assessment, which genuinely serves the best interests of our community, is what our Town needs.

Councilmember Lurvey’s legislation is a commendable step toward promoting transparency, eliminating political influence, and empowering the Town Board to make informed decisions in the best interest of the community. By designating the Town’s Comptroller as the authority for reviewing fiscal impacts, this resolution ensures a fair and impartial evaluation of proposed resolutions, enabling responsible and accountable governance.

—Submitted by the office of Town of North Hempstead

Councilmember Veronica Lurvey