Legislature approves resolution allowing county manager to hire outside investigators after debate over transparency

The Government Services Committee approved a resolution authorizing the county manager to sign agreements and engagement letters with outside firms to conduct investigations, but the measure prompted extended debate over legislative oversight and transparency.

The resolution (No. 2 on the committee agenda) would allow the county manager to engage outside investigators as needed, aligning with the county's procurement policy, the meeting was told. Committee members and public commenters raised concerns that giving the county manager sole authority to hire outside firms could reduce transparency and limit legislative oversight of compliance investigations.

A public commenter urged more checks and balances, saying the county's corporate compliance process has not provided the legislature or the public with regular reports of investigations and outcomes. "The legislature and public have yet to receive any reports about [the compliance office's] activities and accomplishments," the commenter said, urging the committee to consider safeguards before finalizing the resolution.

Several legislators said they did not want to improperly influence investigations but asked for better reporting. One committee member asked for simple statistical reporting — how many investigations are open, how many have been closed, and how many were founded — arguing that aggregate counts would not compromise confidentiality. Others warned that legislative involvement could create the appearance of political influence on investigations.

Committee members said the compliance program is being reorganized and that staffing changes are underway to provide dedicated investigatory capacity. A committee speaker said the county now requires outside investigative firms to conduct in-person interviews when contracted, which addresses an earlier concern about remote-only investigations.

After debate, the committee approved the resolution by voice vote; members present voted in favor and no members opposed. The meeting record shows an earlier routine resolution (No. 1), authorizing submission of a New York State local government records improvement item, also passed on the consent of the committee.

The discussion prompted committee direction to develop improved reporting to the legislature about compliance investigations, including aggregate statistics on the number and status of investigations. Committee members said they expected future updates and clearer reporting mechanisms from the county manager and compliance staff.