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LGO reports vacancies, separations and low pay for some rank‑and‑file employees; senators press for pay adjustments
Summary
LGO officials told senators the office experienced eight separations in FY2025, has vacancies that vary by division, and identified six employees earning under $35,000; senators urged creative solutions to raise pay and retain staff.
Senators pressed LGO leadership about staffing and compensation during the hearing. Acting Chief of Staff Nadia D. Harrigan and division directors said LGO had eight separations in FY2025 (five resignations and two retirements) and reported 29 current vacancies in one post‑audit count, while the FY2026 budget request anticipates funding for 91 positions.
Director Claudette Farrington and other staff said some divisions have specialized vacancies that are difficult to fill — for example, financial services examiner positions that require accounting and professional exam skills. Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation officials said several financial examiner roles had been vacant for two to three years and that competing salaries in other agencies impede recruitment.
Senators asked how many employees currently earn below $35,000; LGO staff said six employees fit that criterion (five incumbents plus one vacant slot) and estimated the cost to raise those incumbents to $35,000 including fringe would be modest (testimony cited approximately $30,000, though the office said it would provide precise figures).
Senators and LGO discussed recruitment, retention and the use of in‑house promotions to fill vacancies; several senators urged the committee and administration to consider targeted pay adjustments for critical positions to ensure regulatory and revenue functions are not undermined by staffing shortages.
