Board approves referral to personnel committee to appoint deputy as interim real property director after Lexi's retirement

The Board of Supervisors voted to approve a recommendation to appoint Kristen, the department’s deputy, to fill the remainder of Real Property Director Lexi’s six-year term and referred the appointment to the personnel committee. Lexi announced her retirement and said her last day will be Sept. 26; the current term ends Sept. 30.

Lexi, Real Property Director, told the board the director’s position is mandated by New York State real property tax law and is a six-year appointment. “It’s a 6 year term. So this is something that’s set by New York State real property tax law, and it is a mandated position,” Lexi said. She described the certification and training requirements overseen by New York State and said Kristen has worked in the office for 16 years as deputy director and “has gotten the majority of her training in this position.”

The board discussed whether the appointment requires one or two resolutions; a board member said the personnel committee would review an interview-based recommendation and succession plan. A member of the board clarified the paperwork process: “It’ll be 1 resolution that will appoint Kristen for the partial term,” a presiding supervisor said during the discussion.

Lexi described remaining training steps for Kristen, including commercial/industrial coursework, an eight-hour ethics class offered at the fall directors’ conference and a group orientation that typically occurs within the first six months. Lexi also said the office sets tax rates for towns and that Kristen handles that process during budget season, including sending letters to town supervisors.

Board members moved and seconded a motion to approve the recommendation and to refer the appointment to the personnel committee. Supervisor Geraci moved the motion; a second was recorded by another supervisor. The board voted in favor with no recorded opposition, and the motion passed. Following approval by the personnel committee and the board, staff said the county will advertise for candidates to fill Kristen’s deputy position if Kristen is elevated to director.

The matter will return to the personnel committee for review and then to the full board for final appointment. Lexi wished Kristen luck during the meeting.