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Greenburgh review finds water-department fixes in place; Commissioner Rich Fawn announces retirement
Summary
Commissioner Rich Fawn told the Town of Greenburgh board that corrective actions from a recent forensic audit are in place and described a five-year plan for water and sewer assessments; Fawn said he will retire and received board commendations.
Rich Fawn, the town’s commissioner of public works, told the Town Board on March 24 that corrective steps identified in a forensic audit of the water department have been implemented and that the town now has a five‑year plan to account for underground water and sewer infrastructure.
Fawn said a February 6 memorandum outlined the corrective actions and that the department — aided by the controller’s office and a strengthened engineering team — is “in a good place right now.” He described capital assessments under way that he said would produce a clearer inventory of subsurface assets over the coming year.
The update was presented as part of follow‑up work the board requested after the audit. Board members asked for clarification about capital‑planning meetings and whether the schedule would provide sufficient funding to complete projects such as the Fairview water tank; Fawn said the plan is intended to span the next five years and noted that detailed cost estimates would require coordination with the controller and finance staff.
Fawn used his time to say he will step down; “this will be my last hurrah tonight,” he said, adding that the job had been an “honor and privilege.” Board members responded with public thanks and recognition of his years of service and the department staff he praised by name.
Why it matters: the board sought assurance that the audit’s recommended controls and capital work would be implemented; Fawn’s retirement also prompted discussion of succession and continuity in operations for roads, water mains and emergency responses.
The board did not take a final vote on personnel changes or capital bonding during the session. The next procedural steps are continued oversight of the corrective action plan and coordination with the controller and town staff on capital estimates.
