A forensic audit by the NYS Comptroller’s office is to be conducted of the Ulster County finances to see whether they were compromised in any way during the 12 years that Burt Gulnick was county finance commissioner. This follows Gulnick’s resignation after he was accused of taking money from the Hurley Recreation Association.

Actions following that revelation came swiftly. County Executive Jen Metzger said in a letter, “Immediately after his resignation, I directed our staff to terminate access to the following: the county government’s financial systems; email and network access; physical access to the county office building, including swipe card access and installing new locks on the commissioner’s office and all bank accounts, including those related to the management of estates.”

At the same time the County Comptroller March Gallagher began an internal investigation in Gulnick’s work and records kept of Ulster County finance that came under his control. Gallagher said at that time, “While the allegations are presently being investigated by state and local authorities, it is imperative that the County immediately take the appropriate steps to safeguard Ulster County taxpayers’ more than $214 million in cash assets.”

It should be noted that one area of concern for Gallagher, and something her office has discussed for a year or more is the lack of internal controls and oversight over cash collections in delinquent real property taxes. That has been controlled by the finance commissioner’s office, and was run by Gulnick. Gallagher has worried that the comptroller’s officer has not had access to tax collection systems, though she has requested that access for the past year or so.

Now, however, the county executive’s office is working with the comptroller’s staff to rectify that situation.

As for what Gulnick is alleged to have done, more explanations became available this week. The organization he is said to have stolen from is the Hurley Recreation Association. It is not in any way connected to the town of Hurley, taking its name simply from operating an outdoor park, with swimming access at 50 Dewitt Mills Road. It is classed as a non-profit organization controlled by a board of directors.

Metzger added, “I am pleased to report that an investigation is now underway by the State Comptroller and our District Attorney's Office. My office is working with them to ensure that investigators have what they need to conduct a rigorous and exhaustive investigation.”

A secondary concern came when County Payroll Commissioner Wendy Trojak also resigned, just two days after Gulnick left his office. Trojak has been in that position since 2016. As of March 8, no allegations of wrongdoing have followed Trojak’s resignation.

Metzger wrote, “From my perspective, this challenging moment is an opportunity to scrutinize the county's financial system and internal controls, modernize that system where necessary, and create the level of transparency, accountability, and security taxpayers deserve.”