John Mason is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pat Grattan is recommending the New York State Authority Budget Office conduct an investigation into the lending practices of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, instead of the Board of Supervisors. In a memorandum to the full board, Thu., Jul. 2, Grattan also expressed the belief that the ABO should advise the CEDC on how to restructure. On June 10, the board appointed supervisors Art Baer and John Reilly to conduct an audit of the agency's lending practices, after a report released in April by the ABO found potential conflicts of interest related to the proposed Ginsberg’s development deal and other related issues. After consultation with legal counsel, Grattan is now of the opinion that the ABO has the authority to investigate CEDC actions. He intends to put forward a resolution that would rescind the board's June 10 action, and hand the matter over to the ABO for investigation. The full board is expected to take action on the measure at its next meeting, Wed., Jul. 8. Read the full story in the Register Star.