Jan. 5, 2017

Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications
Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

Rockland Community Development Office Restructured

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that the county Office of Community Development has been restructured to better serve the needs of the community.

"This new structure increases accountability and will streamline the department's function," Day said.

The restructuring is an ongoing effort to ensure full compliance and accountability in the operations of the Office of Community Development.

Dr. Penny Jennings, assisted by the County Auditor and the Law Department began a top to bottom dissection of the Office of Community Development after it was determined that the previous director had effectively failed to carry out direction from the County Executive to address suspected personnel and financial issues. 

That director is no longer employed by County government. Dr. Jennings, who was assigned in May, found numerous, questionable issues surrounding federal funds granted to various entities and has, and will continue to, take corrective action to protect taxpayer dollars.

Four positions have been eliminated, disciplinary action taken as part of the review of department's reorganization, and reporting responsibilities revamped.

At the same time, the county is preparing to contract with a forensic auditor to review the department's records in detail and to examine the procedures, performance and practices of previous Community Development Department Directors.

Request for quotes from firms that are already on a Qualified Suppliers List for Forensic Auditors will be opened Friday.

"We are taking every step available to us to make sure that taxpayer funds entrusted to the Office of Community Development are used appropriately and accounted for down to the last dime," Day said.

Penny Jennings will remain in an administrative role in the Office of Community Development.

"She will continue the work she has already started to sort out how public funds have been allocated by this department and how that money has been used," Day said.