Orange County officials are looking to review how the town of Montgomery handled its open police chief position.

For the past year, Montgomery has had an officer in charge, but no chief. Part-time officer Stephen Ragni has reportedly been the officer in charge since 2020.

Officials say the town appointed a provisional police chief Thursday night. However, they say Ragni's salary is under review since it appears he makes three times more than his part-time position allows.

"That is not in line with the normal course of business, with respect to a part-time police officer,” says Orange County Civil Service Commisioner Steve Gross. “It should be in line with all the other part-time police officer salaries in any jurisdiction…that salary is more than a full-time officer makes."

Orange County officials want to audit Montgomery's payroll records.

In the meantime, John Vantassel is now temporarily in charge of the police department.