The Nassau County comptroller says he hasn't decided yet whether...

The Nassau County comptroller says he hasn't decided yet whether he has the power to audit NIFA, a state agency whose operating funds come from county sales tax revenue. Credit: Handout

The Republican presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature is thinking of asking the Republican county comptroller to audit the watchdog Nassau Interim Finance Authority.

The comptroller says he’s amenable, but he hasn’t decided yet whether he has the power to audit NIFA, a state agency whose operating funds come from county sales tax revenue.

Legis. Peter Schmitt of Massapequa said Monday he is thinking of asking for an audit because he has not been able to get information from NIFA about how much it is spending on an outside accounting firm and an outside law firm in its disputed takeover of the county’s finances.

“They have hired Skadden Arps, which I’m told is one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, law firm in the United States of America. How did they procure this contract?” he asked.

“The same is true with Grant Thornton, the fifth largest accounting firm in the world. And again, no information on how they chose the particular firm, no information on its cost,” he said.

Schmitt said that he doesn’t get answers from NIFA: “I’m going to ask the county comptroller to audit the entire NIFA operation, which is something that County Comptroller George Maragos has the authority to do.”

Maragos later released a statement saying: “If the presiding officer sends a formal request for a specific audit, I will take appropriate action, consistent with the Comptroller's Charter responsibilities. In the mean time I urge all parties and all the members of the County Legislature to cooperate and work together in the best interests of the County.”

Asked whether that meant Maragos had the power to audit NIFA, a spokesman said such a determination would not be made until a formal request was received.
Newsday submitted a Freedom of Information Law request to NIFA last week for information about the two contracts mentioned by Schmitt.

NIFA general counsel confirmed Monday that the agency had gotten the Feb. 1 Newsday request. “We are reviewing your request and I anticipate that we will respond within 20 business days,” Wise replied.

Errick Allen not guilty … Water rates rise … Woman boxer back in the ring Credit: Newsday

NYPD officer's wake today ... Mets' home opener today ... Yanks win opener ... Feed Me: Wood-fired pizza

Newsday LogoSUBSCRIBEUnlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months
ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME