The Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) approved Nassau County’s contract with Veolia last week, which sets the stage for the company’s takeover of Long Island Bus on January 1. Despite some misgivings, the five-member body voted unanimously in favor of the contract.

“My prediction is that a year from now, we’re going to look back and say this contract was a disaster,” said NIFA Director George Marlin. “We held our nose and approved this contract because it’s the last minute and we cannot permit there to be no bus service on January 1st,” he continued.

NIFA, which assumed control of Nassau’s finances earlier this year, also requested that State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli review the county’s contract approval procedure. “There have been instances where we’ve gotten phone calls and emails suggesting that the contract provisions aren’t being followed,” said NIFA Chairman Ronald Stack. “Apparently we’ve rejected some contracts and yet the work is still going on.”

George Marlin agreed. “The county is engaging in shenanigans with county contracts,” he said.