POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is facing renewed scrutiny after documents surfaced suggesting that a major campaign donor was awarded a lucrative county contract. The allegations, raised by a group of anonymous concerned citizens, point to what critics describe as a potential “pay-to-play” arrangement.
Contract Awarded to Campaign Donor
At the center of the controversy is Barbara Citarella, a Staatsburg resident and owner of RBC Limited, who has contributed more than $4,100 to Serino’s campaigns between 2022 and 2024.
According to documents reviewed by Mid-Hudson News, Serino’s office authorized a contract with RBC Limited in March 2025, paying Citarella $225 per hour with a cap of $75,000. The contract runs through December and includes options for two one-year extensions.
The agreement outlines a broad scope of work, including:
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Strategic policy support
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Corporate compliance review
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Childcare and food insecurity initiatives
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Human trafficking prevention efforts
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EMS and emergency response planning, including 911 dispatch
The contract states RBC will “help County Government achieve the highest levels of operational excellence and efficiency through process reengineering, review of best practices, data-driven and evidence-based decision making, and continuous improvement methodologies.”
Citarella’s Advisory Role
Adding to concerns is Citarella’s close association with Serino. On social media, she has described herself as a “Special Projects Advisor to Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino” from August 2024 to July 2025, working on initiatives in EMS, mental health, and health care.
In May 2025, Citarella updated her profile to list herself as “Senior Advisor” to Serino. Critics argue that her dual role as both advisor and campaign donor raises questions about whether the county contract was awarded fairly.
Previous Controversies
The latest allegation comes shortly after another controversy involving Serino’s deputy, Rachel Kashimer. Kashimer was accused of using her county office to solicit donations for the Dutchess County Leadership Prayer Breakfast, a nonprofit where she serves on the board. Following the incident, she left Serino’s office and took a new position as deputy commissioner of Human Resources under Commissioner Steve Rector.
County Response
When asked about the contract and its optics, Serino’s Communications Director, Colleen Pillius, defended the process.
“The county followed its established procurement policy which adheres to New York State procurement guidelines,” Pillius said in a statement.
While the county insists proper procedures were followed, the perception of a major campaign donor receiving a significant taxpayer-funded contract has fueled further questions about transparency and accountability within Serino’s administration.
Growing Scrutiny
The anonymous group pressing these allegations has pledged to continue examining the county executive’s office. With Serino already facing criticism over past controversies, the latest revelations are expected to intensify debate over ethics and governance in Dutchess County.
As the contract remains in effect through the end of the year, the issue is likely to remain a focal point in discussions about county leadership and political influence.
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