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Residents Press Town of Ridgeway for Audit Details and Greater Transparency
Summary
Residents pressed the Ridgeway Town Board on June 15 over a recent State Comptroller audit, asking to see the town's corrective action plan and urging greater transparency; the board said the plan has been submitted to the State Comptroller and that some recovery of funds may be barred by statute of limitations.
Supervisor Brian Napoli told residents the town has submitted a corrective action plan to the State Comptroller in response to the audit and thanked staff for their work and support.
During the open comment period, Maureen Blackburn asked whether residents could view the corrective action plan and why her letter was not included in the minutes. Town Clerk Hannah Hill said she prepares summary minutes and confirmed the letter is filed in the town's minutes book and is available for review at the Town Clerk's office. Blackburn urged the board to "trust, but verify" and called for improved communication and transparency from the board.
Attorney Kathy Bogan responded to several questions about the audit, explaining that independent auditors review the town's finances annually and that the specific error identified involved using sick time to calculate an elected official's health insurance benefit for which sick time is not permitted. Bogan said efforts to recoup some funds may be limited because the statute of limitations has passed on certain items and that the cost of collection could be high and not guaranteed to succeed.
Rodelle Mammano pressed the board with follow-up questions about employee health insurance, which bills were paid, and whether the town would pursue former officials to recover funds. An unidentified resident also voiced broader concerns about oversight and whether additional issues were being missed; Bogan reiterated the limits and procedures for audit recovery.
Supervisor Napoli said the corrective action plan is complete and noted the town has been working through the audit findings. Trustee Jess Marciano, speaking as a liaison from the Village of Medina, asked residents to allow the board time to respond thoroughly to questions.
The board did not take immediate action at the meeting to release additional documentation beyond noting the file availability at the Town Clerk's office; the town's next work session is scheduled for July 14, 2026, and the next regular board meeting is July 20, 2026.
