NEWBURGH – Recently appointed Newburgh City Manager Todd Venning had been serving as the city’s comptroller prior to being named to his new position by the city council recently. He was originally hired as comptroller by former Cty Manager Joe Donat some two years ago.
Venning has received accolades from the council for his handling of city finances.
Yet, sources tell Mid-Hudson News that he tendered his resignation as comptroller just prior to being named city manager. A source close to the situation said when he was asked what it would take to keep him in Newburgh, he said he wanted the city manager’s slot at a $50,000 raise over former Manager Joe Donat’s $150,000 annual salary.
Shortly thereafter, Donat’s contract with the city was not renewed and Venning was named new manager.
Mayor Torrance Harvey would not comment on the information saying it was a personnel matter.
Venning has not returned several phone calls for comment.
When aked about the circumstances leading up to his departure, Donat did not wish to comment or speculate as to why the council conducted itself in the manner that it did. Donat did state that he “truly wished the city nothing but the best and hopes it’s change in leadership will help advance the progress we achieved over the last two and a half years.”
