Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance Pamela Barrack to Retire

Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance Pamela Barrack will be retiring in May after nine years of public service as Commissioner.

County Executive Molinaro stated, “The economic conditions over the past several years have created numerous fiscal challenges for Dutchess County Government.    Under Pam Barrack’s leadership, our county finances have remained solid and stable and ranking among the best in New York State.”

Pamela Barrack was appointed as Commissioner of Finance by former Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus in 2005.   Prior to her service in Dutchess County Government, Barrack operated her own tax service business for nearly twenty years.  Prior to that she worked as Revenue Agent with the Internal Revenue Service and as an Auditor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

As Commissioner of Finance, Pamela Barrack serves as the Chief Fiscal Officer of the County and is charged with the responsibility of receipt and disbursement of county funds.  As Commissioner, she is also responsible for enforcement of real property taxes levied for county, town, school district and village purposes.  The Commissioner of Finance is responsible for obtaining borrowing on behalf of the County to finance Operating and Capital Programs and the issuance of Official Statements as required as well as ensuring all financial records are maintained in accordance with the rules established by the Comptroller of the State of New York and generally accepted accounting standards as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

Under Barrack’s leadership as Commissioner of Finance, the Department has had numerous accomplishments and initiatives:

• Implemented a new Financial Management System in 2006 and new Payroll System in 2007.
• Implemented various banking safeguards over the years to reduce risk of check fraud and cyber-attacks.
• Coordinated refinancing of outstanding bond issues to take advantage of lower interest rates and provide more than $2.1 million savings in principal and interest payments.
• The Real Property Tax Agency was consolidated within the Department of Finance.
• Initiated and completed transition to title searches performed in‐house, as opposed to contracting for the service, saving the County nearly approximately $45,000 in the first year alone.

Barrack currently serves as member of the New York State County Treasurers’ and Finance Officers’ Association as well as the New York State Government Finance Officers Association.

She is also extensively involved in the local community. Currently, she serves as the Recording Secretary for the Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and is a member of the National Society DAR, Audit Committee. She also is on the Board of Directors for the Madam Brett Homestead in Beacon, serving as the Recording Secretary. She is the Treasurer for the Highland Pass Society Children of the American Revolution. Barrack has previously served on numerous other boards and committees including the Dutchess Community College Board of Trustees, Dutchess County Planning Board, Howland Cultural Center Board of Director and the City of Beacon Board of Assessment Review.

Commissioner Barrack said, “It has been an honor and privilege to have served the residents of Dutchess County for the past 9 years. Our County is fiscally strong and continues to remain one of the best rated municipalities in New York State.”

A long time Beacon resident, she and husband Gary plan to remain active in their community.

County Executive Molinaro concluded, “We are grateful to Pam for her years of service to Dutchess County and wish her the very best as she winds down her county career and looks forward to her next chapters.”