Joseph Timpano’s retirement at the end of the year will be a curtain call for the longest-serving auditor in Oneida County history. After 25 years in office, he will not seek re-election.
Mr. Timpano is the 16th Comptroller elected since 1911.
“I’m basically the county’s top accountant, managing the books and records every day,” Timpano said, explaining his job with the county.
“I remember telling my counselor, Mr. Ross, that I wanted to be an accountant when I was a freshman in high school, and the rest is history.”
early work
Timpano began to make progress early in his professional career. Fresh out of college, he worked at an accounting firm in New York City.
He was appointed to serve the final year of Pat Donovan’s term in 1998 and was first elected Oneida County Auditor in 1999.
To this day, Donovan and Timpano remain close friends.
“I grew up in Utica, but moved back to New Hartford for my first job in 1988,” Timpano said.
“In 1996, Pat called me and asked me to be his deputy. Within two years, I became comptroller.”
Mr. Timpano has since been re-elected unopposed for six consecutive terms.
career milestones
Over the past 20 years, Timpano has improved county finances and protected taxpayers, he said.
Under his leadership, the Oneida County Office has:
- We completed 244 capital projects and transferred $6.4 million for debt repayment.
- We repaid $92.3 million of existing debt and reduced principal and interest costs, resulting in cash savings of $6.2 million.
- We installed new accounting and payroll accounts and two fixed asset software systems.
- Eliminated $53 million in state tobacco securitization debt, providing significant relief to county taxpayers.
- 500 million transaction budget was properly accounted for.
- We maintained A credit ratings from all three nationally recognized bond rating agencies, including Moody’s (2001), S&P (2014), and Fitch (2016).
“Because we have maintained such a strong credit rating, we have been able to borrow money for capital projects and pay less and less over time,” Timpano explained. “This has enabled recent infrastructure enhancements such as the Wynne Hospital car park, Nexus Center and Griffith Airport.”
Timpano has also doubled efficiency within the office.
“Currently, we have a staff of 11,” Timpano said. “In the ’80s, we had a crew of 22 people. Thanks to automation technology and good hiring, we were able to remain productive at half the size.”
performance review
His colleagues had nothing but positive reviews to share on his behalf.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “For a quarter of a century, Joe Timpano has represented the people of Oneida County with honesty, diligence, and integrity. “He has been a valued partner during my 16 years as county executive.” And he will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. ”
Mr. Timpano also worked closely with state Sen. Joseph Griffo, a former Oneida County executive.
“Joe is a consummate public servant who has represented the people of Oneida County with integrity and class. During his time as Comptroller, he has worked to improve and strengthen county finances, protect county taxpayers, and increase job efficiency. “He has also shown strong leadership, compassion and competence. I wish him a well-deserved retirement,” Grifo said in a statement.
What the next chapter brings
“I enjoy going to work, but golf seems to be so much more fun these days,” Timpano joked. “I plan to play golf every day, at least four times a week.”
In the next phase of his life, he is looking forward to traveling with his wife. Next on our itinerary is to visit relatives in sunny California.
“Going forward, I expect the office to maintain a level of integrity regarding Oneida County’s accounting and financial information.”
