MONTICELLO – On Thursday, January 15, at a time when the opening of the county purse strings is being highly scrutinized, County Auditor Angela Chevalier gave an update to the Sullivan County Legislature. 

“We’ve hit 2026 running,” she said. “[We’re] very busy in the office, busy with year-end, working very closely with all the departments as we always do, OMB [Office of Management and Budget], Treasurer’s, and County Attorney’s Office.”

Chevalier then introduced the new Deputy County Auditor Janice Gaston.

“I’m happy to be joining the family up here, I’m a new hire under Angela in the Audit and Control Department,” Gaston said. “I’m joining you all the way from the city of Newburgh, via Yonkers, so I’m slowly working my way up the state.” 

Gaston said she has spent her career working in various roles serving in budget oversight, general ledger management, and as an auditor for the state.

A smiling Gaston came to the podium with enthusiasm and jokes. “I’m very happy to learn names with faces, where the bathroom is, find a parking lot to park into, and start to streamline and help uplift Angela and the rest of the department that we work with on a daily basis,” she told the legislators.

“I love your energy! Keep that up,” responded District 3 Legislator Amanda Ward.

“It’s our armor,” Gaston quipped back. 

As deputy county auditor, Gaston said her duties involve reviewing claims to ensure that county funding is used properly. She said her goals for the year in her new role include getting acclimated to her department’s personnel, getting acquainted with the legislative body, and to continue moving the county forward. 

So far, Gaston’s adjustment to Sullivan County “has been quite pleasant,” and she said she’s excited to join a team of strong and educated individuals in the Office of Audit and Control. 

When asked if she anticipated any struggles ahead in her new role, Gaston said, “There’s always challenges with any job; I’m pretty sure I’ll have them here. As an auditor I’m equipped with the word ‘no’ and I’m not afraid to use it.”