BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Growing animosity between Councilor Nichole Kennedy and Mayor Jeffrey Skelly erupted into a harsh exchange of words after concerns were raised over the city’s checks and balances in regard to bank account access.

Kennedy raised some concerns regarding the city manager being the sole person in charge of the city’s banking, a responsibility usually kept in check by the city comptroller.

Kennedy said some of the city accounts have more than $30 million in them and she thinks the person that makes the decision should not be the same person in charge of the bank account.

“When money is involved things get messy,” she said.

Although Kennedy said it was not meant to be a slight on the city manager, Skelly took offense to her questions on the matter that were directed at Jellie.

As the two exchanged words Skelly at one point cut Kennedy off saying she was out of order with her insinuations.

Kennedy fired back at the mayor saying she did not “give a shit” what his opinion was.

Kennedy said she was seeking what the process was in the absence of a comptroller and was not intended to be personal.

Jellie said he would investigate the issue and work on a resolution.