Farrar named deputy county exec
Budget director credited for bringing last seven spending plans in under tax cap
TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer County Executive- elect Steve McLaughlin has selected current county Budget Director Stacey Farrar to serve as his deputy county executive when he takes office Monday.
Farrar has served as budget director for retiring county Executive Kathleen Jimino since 2007 and has been working in county government since 1990. She will continue to serve as budget director after replacing Christopher Meyer as deputy executive. Meyer unsuccessfully ran against McLaughlin for the Republican nomination to replace his longtime boss.
“Stacey has a great understanding of county government, particularly county finances and budgetary issues, and will be a great and valuable part of our team moving forward in 2018,” said McLaughlin.
As Jimino’s budget director, Farrar has formulated seven consecutive budgets with tax rates under the state-mandated cap, with the last two budgets adopted unanimously by the Rensselaer County Legislature. The county has also earned a series of positive independent reviews and upgrades in its bond rating during Farrar’s tenure.
She has also been part of a team that has overseen upgrades in technology for financial management and control systems in the county and a key player in the development of the 2015 Government Efficiency Plan and the 2017 Shared Services Initiative Plan, which evaluated shared services with all municipalities within the county.
Farrar holds a master’s degree in business administration from Siena College and a bachelor’s degree from Elmira College. A native of Schodack, she lives with her family in East Greenbush.
According to the County Charter, the deputy county executive can act on behalf of the executive when he is out of town or for some other reason is unable to carry out his official duties. The appointment of Farrar is subject to confirmation by the County Legislature, which is expected to consider the appointment at its January meeting.