Patricia R. Doxsey reports in The Daily Freeman that in August, Ulster County Executive Michael Hein and county Comptroller Elliott Auerbach, both claimed that the other had gained unauthorized access to the computer files of the other. On Sept. 13, the legislature’s Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to hire EisnerAmper LLP, of New York City, to figure out what happened between the two Democrats, and review county computer policy. The cost to taxpayers to settle the dispute: $38,900. “It’s ... sad that it’s come down to this, that we had to step in here and ascertain what’s going on here,” said Minority Leader Hector Rodriguez, a Democrat from New Paltz. “It’s unfortunate, but we’re trying to make the best of what is a very sad situation.” It should take three weeks to settle the matter, if Hein and Auerbach cooperate. Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright has sent complaints to the state attorney general, which may consider some of the computer intrusions illegal. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.