KINGSTON – Ulster County Area Transit Director Toni Roser will retire at the end of October as County Comptroller March Gallagher continues investigating allegations of time-record falsification at the transit agency.
Gallagher criticized county officials for praising Roser’s service in announcing her retirement without acknowledging the ongoing investigation.
“I am disappointed that the public comments by the County Executive and Legislative Leadership praising the UCAT Director upon her announced retirement do not acknowledge the ongoing UCAT time theft investigation by the Comptroller’s Office,” said Gallagher, who did not indicate if Roser was a focus in the probe.
Gallagher said her office has not received all the materials needed to complete its work, including records under subpoena since Aug. 25.
“The Director’s retirement does not conclude the investigation,” Gallagher said. “On behalf of taxpayers, we will continue to pursue the outstanding records and report our findings based on the evidence.”
Two months ago, Gallagher’s office said it had received multiple credible allegations of falsified time records by UCAT management. The investigation drew public attention after a hidden camera belonging to the comptroller was discovered outside the agency’s headquarters. Gallagher has defended her office’s investigative authority.
The county announced Roser’s retirement and said Deputy Director Kevin Fournier will serve as interim director while officials search for a successor. Roser began her public transportation career in 2004 as transportation supervisor for Kingston Citibus, where she managed a staff of 15, oversaw route design and changes, and helped with the consolidation of Kingston Citibus and UCAT.
After the merger, she joined UCAT as assistant transportation coordinator. She was promoted to deputy director in 2019, served twice as interim director, in 2021 and 2022, and was appointed director in 2023.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Ulster County and the residents of our community through my work with Ulster County Area Transit,” Roser said. She thanked UCAT employees, county officials and community partners, and praised the transit team’s dedication to serving riders.
County Executive Jen Metzger also praised Roser’s leadership, saying she guided the department through periods of transition, strengthened its workforce and helped modernize operations.
“Toni’s deep knowledge of transit, her collaborative spirit, and her genuine care for her team and the community have made a lasting impact,” Metzger said. “We thank her for her service and wish her the very best in her retirement.”
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