Ulster County Comptroller

News

Press Release on Assigned Counsel 18B Audit Report

Kingston, NY (November 29, 2021) –Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher today released an audit of payments made under the 18-B Assigned Counsel program. The 18-B program allows judges to appoint an attorney to represent a client when the Public Defender and the Conflict Defender have a conflict of interest. “The right to counsel is one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy. Ulster County taxpayers deserve to know that they are getting what they pay for.

Press Release and Letter on Comptroller's Recommendations to the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency

Kingston, NY (October 14, 2021) – Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher, former Board Chair of the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency (UCIDA), issued recommendations to the Agency to facilitate housing development and build community trust. “Ulster County is experiencing a housing crisis,” said Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher. “Median home sale prices increased 41% between 2016 and 2020. Much of our rental stock is now being rented as Airbnbs. The sharp housing price increases in Ulster County have put housing out of reach for regular working families.

Recent Reports

Assigned Counsel - 18B Audit Report

The Ulster County Comptroller’s Office received complaints regarding the implementation of the 18-B program from both clients and attorneys. The analysis found that all the client complaints received were for attorneys assigned through the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department Office of Attorneys for Children program, not Ulster County’s 18-B program. Claims for payments submitted by 18-B attorneys are paid within 77 days on average and often contain attorney-generated mathematical billing errors.

Comptroller's Memorandum Prioritizing the DIAC (Director of Internal Audit and Control)

We appreciate the opportunity to explain value of the Director of Internal Audit and Control (DIAC) and the Legislature’s diligence in reviewing the resources required by all County Departments. As you may be aware, the internal audit function of the County Comptroller’ Office safeguards taxpayer interests, returning more than it costs by identifying lost revenues and cost savings.