Cook Asks For State Audit Of Town Books, Gets It

For the first time in 15 years, the Huntington Town Board approved a request for a state audit of its books — but not without contention.

Citing the need for optimum government perfomance and improved fiscal management, first-term Councilman Eugene Cook led the charge Tuesday at Town Hall for more transparency and an audit.

Before unanimously voting in favor of the audit, some Town Board members argued the resolution needed to be amended because it suggested wrongdoing by outgoing town comptroller Tracy Yogman.

In front of a large audience of residents overwhelmingly in favor of Cook's request, the Town Board mulled details of the resolution which noted Yogman's resignation.

"I'm not going after anything she's done," said Cook. "I looked at the audit in '97 and it had some major issues that we still haven't addressed today." 

Yogman  she will resign April 20 to take a job with her former boss for more money. 

In a letter dated March 27 to Ira McCrackin, a chief examiner for the comptroller's office in Long Island, Cook said he felt "uncomfortable" with the town's financial protocol and a sequence of events including temporary blockage of access to town financial information.

"Upon taking office, it was brought to my attention that the procedure, handling or protocol for dealing with public funds by the town may be lacking in different areas," said Cook, in the letter. 

On a recommendation by the town attorney, requested amendments be made to Cook's resolution before the vote Tuesday.

Left in the stripped down resolution — which eventually passed 5-0 — was basically a request for the audit to be conducted "as soon as possible" and acknowledgement that it's been 15 years since the last one. 

"I think it puts us in a better frame of mind going forward so that that there's no feelings that there have been accusations," said Petrone, regarding the changes.

Cook said the town attorney approved his original resolution.

Councilman Mark Cuthberston said he could not support an amendment that implies Yogman is leaving with a cloud over her head.

"She has served this town very, very well," said Cuthbertson. "We were lucky to get her and unlucky that her previous employer is willing to pay her $50,000 more."

Councilwoman Susan Berland said it was "inappropriate" to name Yogman in Cook's resolution, but she did favor an audit.

Tuesday's request by Cook was not the first time a town official asked for a state audit in recent years. Responding to a complaint made by Petrone regarding the budget in 2010, Huntington Highway Superintendent William Naughton .

"Have the state comptroller come in and audit the books, said Naughton in 2010. "It hasn't been done in 13 years." 

On Tuesday, Petrone said it could be a while before the state audit comes to fruition.

"I don't think you will see them this year," said Petrone. "By all means, when they come, I hope we do learn something."