The Warren County Board of Supervisors has censured one of its members for not disclosing a financial interest in a business that got federal grant funding.

Brad Magowan, a Queensbury at-large supervisor, is a contractor. His business, Bilt Well, had done work to prepare a 40-foot-long boat for a business named ADK Excursions. This included installing decking, safely railings, generator work and hydraulic lifts. The bill totaled around $11,000 for around 132 hours of labor according to the censure decision.

Magowan has known the owner of ADK Excursions, Christine Norton, for about 46 years.

In October 2022, ADK Excursions was awarded $30,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act in order to help the business get back on its feet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ADK Excursions sought another $19,000 in November. The board narrowly approved the additional funds, with Magowan’s “yes” vote providing to be decisive. It would not have passed otherwise, based up on the weighted voting system the county uses. 

Magowan did not recuse himself nor did he disclose his financial interest.

The owner of ADK Excursions, Christine Norton, submitted to the county in March 2023 information about how the money was being used. No mention was made of contractors doing the work.

Norton also failed to submit documentation showing proof of actual payment by the deadline.

At no time, did Magowan disclose on his 2023 and 2024 financial disclosure forms the money he received from his work for ADK Excursions. This included $5,480 that came from ARPA funds, according to the censure decision.

“Most disturbing to this Board is respondent (Magowan’s) refusal to acknowledgment the requirement placed upon him and all Warren County elected officials to fully and completely disclose financial interests which conflict with their duties as elected officials. Respondent stated that he will not file true and complete information on his future financial disclosure statements. This is not acceptable and should not be permitted,” according to the censure resolution.

Norton was subsequently elected treasurer in November 2023. 

The censure does not affect Magowan’s ability to continue to serve on the board.

County Administrator John Taflan said in a statement it is essentially a “public reprimand of a public official for inappropriate behavior.”

NewsChannel 13 has reached out to Magowan for comment. We will let you know if we hear back.