Fazzino Takes on Comptroller Challenge

Rye Patch caught up with Joseph Fazzino. He is filling the role of Acting Comptroller after decided to leave. The role is a pivotal one especially as the city prepares for budget season and decides on a slate of capital bond projects. 

Fazzino is no newbie, he took on the role of acting comptroller at the end of June with nine years of service to the city under his belt.

How long have you worked with the City of Rye and in what other roles?

I have been with the City of Rye for 9 Years this August. I have served as a staff accountant for 3 years and Deputy Comptroller for 6 years. I also served as interim Comptroller for 8 months in 2009 after the departure of Mike Genito before the hiring of the new Comptroller.

You're coming in just as the City is making decisions about capital projects for a fall bond referendum as well as regular budget preparations. What have been your priorities with that process? 

With regard to the fall referendum, I have provided the City Manager and City Planner with a history of how the City has funded Capital in the past and additionally worked with our bond counsel in preparing the proposed bond referendums.

I have been thoroughly involved in the Budget process during the last 7 years and am well versed with the budget process. As Deputy Comptroller, I played a key role in working with staff to prioritize their budgets and guide them through the budget process. 

For this year's budget, it is particularly important to work with City Departments to provide the City Council with the most accurate projections so that they have a realistic sense of where the City will be financially at the end of 2012.

With the City subject to the 2% tax cap again in 2013, my emphasis will be to work with the City Manager and City staff to investigate areas where the City may be able to create savings.

Could you give a little info about yourself? Are you involved with any special activities or interests?

I currently live in Stamford with my wife and two young children. My wife and I both work full-time so my family currently takes up most of my free time .