Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

Republican Lawmakers Unanimously Oppose Bill to Increase Threshold at Albany County Contract Administration Board (CAB)

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Legislature tonight voted to limit oversight over millions of taxpayer dollars administered by the Contract Administration Board (CAB). Local Law S, which passed the Legislature 24-7, was unanimously opposed by the Republican and Conservative Conference in the Legislature.

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“A critical role of the County Legislature is to be transparent and fiscally responsible with County tax dollars,” said Legislator Mark Grimm (R-C, Guilderland). “I voted ‘no’ on Local Law S along with my Republican and Conservative colleagues because it removes key oversight safeguards over millions in tax dollars. Albany County CAB is a three member club that is already exempt from several Legislative procedures.”

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The Albany County CAB was formed in 1993 to review contracts for amounts less than $100,000. The Board of Contract Administration is currently composed of the County Executive, the County Legislative Chair and the County Clerk who are empowered to approve contracts for execution in amounts of not less than $20,000 and not more than $100,000. Local Law S amends the current law to increase the maximum threshold to $215,000.

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From the start of 2024 to present, the Albany County CAB approved more than 40 contracts totaling approximately $4 million. With passage of this Local Law and an increased threshold, there are more than 60 contracts totaling approximately $9 million which would have additionally been approved from the start of 2024 to present.

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“There’s no Republican or Conservative representation on CAB. This absence of checks and balances is unacceptable,” concluded Grimm.