Finance (Comptroller)

Leonard J. Marchese, MBA, CPA
Town Comptroller
  lmarchese@southamptontownny.gov
Phone: (631) 702-1887
Fax: (631) 287-5709

Mission & Responsibilties

The Town Comptroller's Office oversees all financial and audit activities for the Town of Southampton. The mission of the Town Comptroller's Office is to:

• Establish sound financial policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate and complete financial accounting records for all economic events
• Assist in the preparation of the Town's Annual Operating and Capital Budgets
• Ensure compliance with all Town Board approved Funding and Appropriations
• Provide timely and useful financial reporting and management information to the Supervisor, Town Board, and Public
• Maximize Cash Management opportunities for all investment and borrowing requirements
• Coordinate independent, forensic, and New York State audits
• Manage the integrity of all Town financial accounting, budgeting and reporting systems

The Department is responsible for disbursing and accounting for approximately $115 million in operating expenses for wages, supplies and services, and ensures compliance with the Adopted Budget. The Comptroller manages the financing of the Town's Capital Projects (multi-year construction projects or other asset acquisitions) averaging $25 million per year.

The Comptroller's Office assists in the preparation of both the Operating and Capital Budgets and records all budget modifications in the Town's financial control systems.

All Town Board Resolutions are reviewed for fiscal impact and must be approved by the Town Comptroller.

In 2009 the Town collected a total of 285.5 million in Property Taxes. Upon receipt from the Tax Receiver, The Town Comptroller disbursed $212 million in taxes to the various School, Library, Ambulance, and Fire Districts by the Comptroller's department, and $53 million in property taxes was accounted for in the Town's Operating and Special Districts accounts. In addition, CPF and LIPA payments in lieu of taxes are disbursed annually by the Comptroller's Office.