Senate Resolution No. 1479
BY: Senator O'MARA
CONGRATULATING James McFadden upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished
service as Tioga County Treasurer
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those dedicated public servants whose careers have been marked
by integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the
people they serve; and
WHEREAS, James McFadden is retiring after more than three decades of
exemplary service as Tioga County Treasurer, having first been elected
to that office in 1993 and faithfully serving eight consecutive
four-year terms; and
WHEREAS, Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, James McFadden relocated
with his family to Owego in 1964, where he was raised, educated, and
developed a lifelong connection to the community he would later serve
with distinction; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Owego Free Academy and Binghamton University,
James McFadden began his professional career as a self-employed tax
accountant, bringing valuable financial expertise and practical
experience to public service; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Tioga County Treasurer, James
McFadden was responsible for overseeing critical county financial
operations, including tax collection, debt service, investment
strategies, and long-term financial planning, consistently demonstrating
sound judgment, careful oversight, and exemplary financial stewardship;
and
WHEREAS, James McFadden played a central role in major county
initiatives, including the financing and development of the Tioga County
Jail, the Health and Human Services Building, and other significant
infrastructure projects, while maintaining a strong credit rating for
the County and achieving substantial savings through prudent refinancing
and investment decisions; and
WHEREAS, During times of extraordinary challenge, including the
floods of 2011, James McFadden provided steady leadership and
perseverance, navigating complex financial recovery efforts and ensuring
accountability and transparency over many years; and
WHEREAS, James McFadden's commitment to innovation and fairness in
public finance extended beyond Tioga County, including his involvement
in advancing policies that led New York State to become the first state
to implement a comprehensive short-term rental tax law; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication
to county financial management, James McFadden was named the 2025
Outstanding Treasurer of the Year by the National Association of County
Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers, a national honor awarded
annually to one treasurer who exemplifies excellence and integrity in
public finance; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional accomplishments, James
McFadden has been actively involved in civic and charitable
organizations, including the Owego Kiwanis, Tioga County Friends of
Hospice, and the board of Tompkins Cortland Community College, further
reflecting his deep commitment to community service; and
WHEREAS, As he enters retirement, James McFadden looks forward to
spending time with his family and continuing his appreciation for the
people and communities of Tioga County, leaving behind a lasting legacy
of fiscal responsibility and public trust; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate James McFadden upon the occasion of his retirement as Tioga
County Treasurer, and to commend him for his more than 30 years of
distinguished service to the residents of Tioga County and the State of
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James McFadden.
