By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
The Olean Common Council confirmed mayoral appointments for city auditor and city clerk Tuesday.
Aldermen also discussed the city’s finances — particularly how to respond to $381,000 in reported budget overages of accounts with just over a month to go until the end of the city’s fiscal year.
Mayor Amy B. Sherburne nominated Allison Barnish of Smethport, Pa., to become city auditor.
Barnish, the deputy treasurer in McKean County, succeeds Lens Martial, who was appointed to the city clerk’s post by the mayor.
Barnish is a 2016 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, where she majored in business management. She received a certificate in accounting from Liberty University in 2022 and a Master of Accountancy from Pennsylvania Western University in 2025.
Martial succeeds Frank Caputo, who is retiring. Martial previously served as city clerk from December 2017 to December 2021 when he was named city auditor.
Both officials were confirmed on 7-0 votes of the council. The appointments are effective May 1. Aldermen also thanked Caputo for his service.
Martial commented on the report of $381,000 in overages so far in the 2025-26 budget, noting there is about $1 million left to pay bills in the last month of the fiscal year.
Much of that is attributed to health insurance increases during the year. It’s unclear why the account was underbudgeted.
There was $19 million on the revenue side of the budget, but revenues of $20 million have been received. There is still a month of sales tax revenue and bed tax.
Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., I-Ward 6, said the report shows $599,000 in revenue has been received over what was budgeted. That includes $214,000 in bed tax, which goes into a reserve fund for tourism and economic development.
Martial also noted the city has a $2.5 million fund balance, which is close to the 15% of the budget the council has specified for the account.
Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, wondered if the city’s new financial software can predict — based on current spending — whether the budget is on track for a surplus or deficit. He noted huge utility spikes that were unforeseen boosted costs.
The city also failed to implement a parking plan that had forecast $100,000 in revenue.
Aldermen tabled a proposal to allow residents to receive 50% of the cost of installing sidewalk blocks by a licensed contractor.
Currently the city pays 50% of the cost of installation by its contractor. The cost of having a licensed contractor do it would be capped at the amount the city would pay its own contractor. The council will take up the issue again next month.
The council also approved a contract with Cattaraugus County for mosquito surveillance costs and spraying if necessary.
New amended seasonal parking restrictions for street sweeping was also approved and will be published by the city soon.
