New York Consolidated Laws, County Law - CNT § 450. Chairman of the board;  powers and duties

1. The chairman of the board of supervisors shall, at the time of his selection and throughout the term of his office, be a member of the board of supervisors and shall within twenty days after his selection take and file in the office of the county clerk an oath of office as such chairman and execute and file an official undertaking in such amount as may be required by the board.  Such undertaking shall be approved by the board if in session and otherwise by the county clerk.  Upon failure to take said oath or to execute and file said undertaking within the time therefor prescribed by law, the board of supervisors may declare a vacancy and select another chairman from its membership.  He shall be ex-officio member of all committees and shall have the right to attend meetings of all boards, commissions or other bodies appointed by the board of supervisors or exercising county functions or expending county funds.  He shall have the right to inspect all books, accounts, records or documents pertaining to the property, money or assets of the county or over which the county has control.

2. It shall be the duty of such chairman:  (a) to become familiar with the property, functions and fiscal affairs of his county;  (b) to see that the statutory and local laws and resolutions of the board of supervisors and directions of county officers empowered to make the same are faithfully executed and report to the board any neglect of duty;  (c) to make recommendations to the board of supervisors on legislation, rules and regulations and such other matters deemed material and advisable;  (d) to advise department heads and officers and recommend matters deemed helpful in the performance of their duties.

3. The board of supervisors may delegate to such chairman the power to:  (a) transfer employees temporarily from one department or office to another with the approval of the appointing officer or board;  (b) determine what officer shall perform a particular power or duty not clearly defined by law;  (c) determine what officers and employees may attend conferences and schools conducted for the betterment of county government;  (d) execute and deliver documents and contracts authorized by such board;  (e) perform such other administrative duties as the board may determine to be necessary to give full effect to the provisions of this chapter.