Full Breakdown
Audit Reveals Financial Mismanagement in Greenburgh, NY
3/2/2026, 12:31:06 AM
Overview of the Audit Findings
A recent audit conducted by EFPR Group has uncovered significant financial mismanagement in the town of Greenburgh, New York, which has been under the leadership of Democrat Paul Feiner for 35 years. The audit revealed that the town has $29.4 million in unpaid property taxes, with some tax bills dating back to 1967. Additionally, the town has $2.6 million in unpaid parking tickets and $3.1 million in overdue water bills, with penalties accumulating due to a failure to lift waivers instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The audit also highlighted that only $4 million of the $39.5 million allocated for a new courthouse has been utilized, as funds were improperly mixed with the general budget, allowing them to be reallocated for other expenses.
Key Figures in the Controversy
Paul Feiner, the long-serving supervisor of Greenburgh, is at the center of the controversy. As he campaigns for his 18th term, Feiner has faced criticism from town board member Francis Sheehan, who stated that the financial mismanagement has placed an undue burden on taxpayers. Feiner has characterized the audit as politically motivated, suggesting that the town board's decision to commission it was aimed at undermining his re-election campaign. He claims that the findings were not surprising and that measures have already been taken to address the issues, including hiring an outside firm to collect overdue taxes.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the audit, Feiner asserted that the financial practices of the town were sound and pointed to a recent external review that affirmed the town's AAA bond rating. He expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the audit, stating, “The town board’s motivation, I believe, for the audit was simply to ‘win points’ in the Democratic primary.” Meanwhile, Sheehan criticized the town's financial management, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in handling taxpayer funds.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Feiner, including members of the town board, have voiced concerns over his management style and the implications of the audit findings. Sheehan remarked, “I find it unconscionable that town taxpayers are now going to be asked to pay for a courthouse that they’ve already paid for,” highlighting the frustration among residents regarding the misallocation of funds. The audit's revelations have intensified the scrutiny of Feiner's long tenure and raised questions about the effectiveness of his leadership.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Feiner maintains that the town's finances are sound, the audit presents a starkly different picture, indicating systemic issues in financial management. The discrepancy between Feiner's assertions and the audit's findings raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the town government. The audit also noted that the town's financial policies have not been updated since 2014, suggesting a lack of proactive governance.
What's Next
As Feiner faces a primary challenge from Barry McGoey, endorsed by the local Democratic Party, the fallout from the audit may significantly impact the upcoming election. The town board's actions and the responses to the audit will likely shape the political landscape in Greenburgh as residents seek accountability for the management of their tax dollars.
