Joe Timpano, Oneida County's longest-serving comptroller, announces retirement
Joseph Timpano's retirement at the end of the year will mark the curtain call for the longest-serving comptroller in the history of Oneida County. After 25 years in office he will not be seeking re-election.
Timpano is just the sixteenth comptroller to be elected since 1911.
“I’m essentially the county’s top accountant, on a daily basis I maintain books and records,” Timpano, describing his work for the county.
“I remember as a freshman in high school I told my counselor– Mr. Ross – that I wanted to be an accountant… the rest is history.”
Early work
Timpano began making strides early in his professional career. Fresh out of college, he worked for a public accounting firm in New York City.
He was appointed to fill out the final year of Pat Donovan’s term in 1998 and elected for the first time as Oneida County comptroller in 1999.
To this day Donovan and Timpano still remain close friends.
“I was raised in Utica but in 1988 I returned to New Hartford to fill a first-time position,” said Timpano.
“In 1996 I got a call from Pat who asked me to be his deputy – less than two years later I became comptroller.”
Timpano has since been re-elected, without opposition, for six consecutive terms.
Career Milestones
Over the past two decades Timpano has improved the county’s finances and protected taxpayers, he said.
Under his leadership the Oneida County office has:
Closed 244 capital projects, transferring $6.4 million to pay off debt.
Refunded $92.3 million of existing debt, resulting in cash savings of $6.2 million in lower principal and interest costs.
Installed new accounting and payroll accounts – as well as two fixed asset software systems.
Eliminated $53 million of debt from the national tobacco securitization, resulting in great relief on county taxpayers.
Maintained proper accounting for a half a billion transaction budget.
Upheld an A-credit rating from all three nationally-recognized bond rating firms including: Moody’s (2001), S&P (2014) and Fitch (2016).
“Since we've maintained such a solid credit rating we’ve paid incrementally less as we’ve borrowed money for capital projects,” explained Timpano. "This has made recent infrastructure enhancements possible; such as the Wynn Hospital parking garage, Nexus Center, and Griffith Airport.”
Timpano has also increased efficiency within the office twofold.
“Currently we have a staff of 11 people,” said Timpano. “Back in the 80’s we had a crew of 22; thanks to automated technology and great hires we’ve been able to maintain productivity at half the size.”
Performance reviews
His colleagues had nothing but positive reviews to share on his behalf.
“Joe Timpano has represented the people of Oneida County with honesty, hard work and integrity for a quarter of a century,” said Oneida County Executive, Anthony J. Picente Jr. “He has been a valued partner during my 16 years as County Executive and he will be greatly missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Timpano also worked closely with state Senator, Joseph Griffo, who is a former Oneida County executive.
"Joe has been a consummate public servant who has represented the people of Oneida County with integrity and class. During his time as comptroller, he has done much to improve and solidify the county's finances, protect county taxpayers and increase the efficiency of his office while also demonstrating strong leadership, compassion and competency. I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said Griffo, in a statement.
What the next chapter brings
“I enjoy coming to work but lately I seem to be enjoying golf much more,” joked Timpano. “I plan to play golf everyday, four times a week at the bare minimum.”
In this next stage of life he looks forward to traveling with his wife – next on the itinerary is visiting relatives in sunny California.
“Moving forward I expect the office will maintain a level of integrity, when it comes to the accounting and financial information of Oneida County.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida County comptroller Joe Timpano announces retirement
