Deputy supervisor Jill Lewis leaving town government Feb. 20

Riverhead Deputy Supervisor Jill Lewis is leaving town government this month.

The town board is expected to adopt a resolution Tuesday terminating her employment effective Feb. 20. Lewis served eight years in the post under former supervisor Sean Walter and about a year-and-a-half under his predecessor Phil Cardinale. She stayed on at the request of Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith to assist with the transition.

Bryan Carroll of Miller Place will be appointed Tuesday to the position of town budget officer effective Feb. 20. Carroll will work in the supervisor’s office. His duties will include human resources, payroll and assistance with budget matters, Jens-Smith said in an interview yesterday.

Since he is not a Riverhead Town resident he is by law ineligible to serve in the deputy supervisor post, which Jens-Smith said she still has not made a decision about. She may name a council member to the post, she said.

Carroll, originally from Connecticut, attended Stony Brook University. He has an MBA as well as a master’s in public policy, Jens-Smith said.

“We’ve been looking and interviewed quite a few people,” Jens-Smith said. “I think he’ll be a great asset to the town.” He will start his new job on Feb. 20.

Lewis said in an interview yesterday she is looking for a new job, keeping her options open and happy to take a little time to spend with her family.

“I feel so blessed to have worked with so many people trying to make Riverhead better because they truly love the town,“ Lewis said.

“Jill Lewis is one of the smartest people I know, an amazing hard worker and has been a fantastic asset to the Town of Riverhead,” former supervisor Sean Walter said. “She managed the town with tact and efficiency. The residents owe her a great deal.”

The town is not required to have a deputy supervisor. Under state law, it is a position that may be established by the town board. If it it established, the town supervisor may appoint a deputy, but if the supervisor fails to do so within five days of a vacancy in the office, the town board may appoint the deputy supervisor. The deputy’s salary is fixed by the town board.

The Riverhead town supervisor has had a deputy supervisor since 1987. The position has been filled both by a full-time employee, like Lewis, and by a member of the town board. The deputy supervisor has no vote on the town board unless he or she is a town board member.

Jens-Smith said in December that her campaign treasurer Daniella Brown of Laurel would be appointed deputy supervisor. Lewis agreed to stay on for the month of January to assist with a transition. Brown later changed her mind about taking the post, Jens-Smith said.