LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Willis Vermilyea upon the occasion of
his retirement as Greene County treasurer after 33 distinguished years
in public service

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Willis Vermilyea upon the occasion of his retirement as Greene County
treasurer after 33 distinguished years in public service; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Willis Vermilyea began his
esteemed career as a member of the Memorial Hospital of Greene County
Board of Managers; in 1977, he was elected county legislator represent-
ing Coxsackie, and in 1979, he was elected county treasurer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Willis Vermilyea has been a member of the Greene
County Industrial Development Agency for over 20 years; serving as
chairman of the Board, he helped develop two major business parks,
significantly enhancing the Greene County tax base; and
WHEREAS, After a brief absence from public service, during which time
he was the chief financial officer for the local hospital, Willis Vermi-
lyea returned as county treasurer in 1994; and
WHEREAS, While in office, Willis Vermilyea implemented a fully inte-
grated accounting, budget and payroll system, which provides monthly
reports and live information and is available to the county administra-
tor, legislators and budget staff; and
WHEREAS, Under Willis Vermilyea's exemplary leadership, Greene County
has received two credit rating increases from Moody's Investment
Service; in 1994, only two counties had a credit rating lower than
Greene County; today, only 16 of 62 counties have a higher credit
rating; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Willis Vermilyea served Greene County,
New York, with extraordinary intelligence and caring dedication, contin-
uously striving to effectively fulfill the duties of his position; and
WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens he has served in the
community of Greene County, Willis Vermilyea's life and career are a
portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a role model for
all who aspire to a career in public service; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Willis Vermilyea upon the occasion of his retirement as Greene
County treasurer after 33 distinguished years in public service; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Willis Vermilyea.