CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN FOR 7/19/2018 REGISTER STAR
THE LIFE OF A TOWN/COUNTY SUPERVISOR
Oftentimes, I’ve heard a new supervisor comment on the enormous scope of duties that come with their new position. It’s true that most who run for the office haven’t a clear idea of all that it entails. That would be impossible to expect of anyone. It’s probably equally true that the general public operates on a number of misconceptions related to the positions.
All new supervisors are provided with training opportunities through the New York State Association and the state comptroller’s office. Nonetheless, all the training in the world can’t possibly prepare a new supervisor for all contingencies that may arise. Experience, as they say, is a great teacher.
What can get lost in the shuffle is that the job of town supervisor comes with it a seat on the County Board of Supervisors, in what oftentimes boils down to two separate sets of duties. Eighteen of the 23 supervisors serving on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors also represent their own individual towns, while the remaining five represent wards in the City of Hudson.
On the town level, the supervisor serves as the day-to-day manager, with it all the responsibilities of a small business, and fiscal officer, which brings with it reporting requirements to the state. However, it’s not at all a one person show. The supervisor is simply one of five serving on a town board, where at least once monthly legislation is entertained and managerial decisions may come under review. The supervisor may or may not have a hand in drafting this legislation.
Columbia County is currently one of 17 counties in the state with a board of supervisors form of government. Many are of the opinion this is more representational method, in that supervisors are more tightly connected to their town constituents and community than might otherwise occur with a county legislature, where fewer legislators represent larger districts, or combinations of towns. We are fortunate that the board of supervisors system has served us well over the years.
In the time it takes to drive from, let’s say, New Lebanon to the county office building in Hudson, a supervisor changes hats from his town role to that of a legislative role.
The county Board of Supervisors has traditionally relied on a committee structure when it comes to fashioning legislation. Much of the groundwork is laid there for motions that will, in many cases, ultimately be presented for adoption by the full board of supervisors.
On average, a supervisor will serve on three or four committees, each of which ordinarily meets monthly, over the course of a year. Once per month (unless special circumstances call for additional meetings), the county board conducts a meeting of all members. The board’s management decisions are then carried out by the various department heads.
The position of town supervisor is frequently rewarding and a fascinating learning experience, while it also comes with its frustrating moments. Every day, it seems as though something new comes along. There’s one thing is for certain: the position leaves no time for boredom! Above all, it is an honor to serve the public in this capacity.