By Dan Hust
SOUTH FALLSBURG — After nearly a quarter of a century in the town’s employ, Fallsburg Code Enforcement Officer Allen Frishman is stepping down.
The reasons for his July 15 retirement remain murky, with Frishman not returning calls for comment. Rumors abound, but Supervisor Steve Vegliante indicated there was a town investigation that led up to Frishman’s departure.
He confirmed that for a short period, Frishman was put on paid administrative leave by town leaders while they “looked at a couple of decisions we were concerned with.”
The supervisor declined to provide details, deeming it a personnel matter.
“There were some concerns the [town] board had and changes to policy and procedures he may not have been comfortable with,” Vegliante related.
But Frishman has not been charged with anything, the supervisor added, and remains employed as the town’s head of its Code Enforcement Office, where he’s worked for the past 24 years.
“The Town of Fallsburg wishes him well in his retirement and thanks him for his 24 years of service,” Vegliante affirmed. “He deserves to leave with his head held high.”
Calling the departure amicable, Vegliante said Frishman will continue to work through next month, including helping out with local Sullivan Renaissance projects.
“He has a lot of institutional knowledge,” the supervisor explained.
Fallsburg is now re-evaluating the office, he added, and has hired Keystone Associates, an engineering firm, to assist in office operations.
“This gives us the opportunity to really look at the office,” Vegliante remarked. “We’re looking at ways to develop more efficiencies in the office.”
Not counting Frishman, the Code Enforcement Office employs three full-timers, and the town also provides code enforcement services to the Village of Woodridge.
Frishman currently earns around $64,000 a year, said Vegliante, adding that a replacement will be sought, though likely at a lower salary.