The meeting addressed multiple contracts, including the procurement of EMS billing software for the Sheriff's Office, the installation of light and sound equipment for county vehicles, and a dry cleaning services contract for correctional uniforms. Key infrastructure and operational discussions included the implementation of a new Samsara card reader system for tracking fleet vehicle usage, the sale of the Neil Helman Library's book collection via an auction house, and a contract for data cabling and network infrastructure across county facilities. Additionally, the Board of Elections received approval for contracts related to moving services for election equipment, software and hardware for electronic poll books, and extended warranty and maintenance support for legacy voting machines.
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The committee addressed several agenda items, including authorizing an amendment to resolution number 37 for 2024 concerning the distribution number 14 grant for indigent legal services. This amendment involved shifting funding to support a paralegal JD position while eliminating funding for an assistant public defender position. The committee also authorized an agreement for the fifth council at first appearance grant, providing substantial funding for legal representation at arraignment for indigent individuals. Furthermore, authorization was sought for accepting grant funding for the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Program to support direct services like therapy and hotline support, as well as prevention activities. Finally, the committee discussed authorizing an agreement for professional services with the University at Albany Center for Technology in Government to conduct a comprehensive data inventory across all county information systems, which required an increase in the authorized funding amount for this planning phase. An item regarding local law number H of 2025, pertaining to funding the development of advanced nuclear technologies, was discussed at length as an economic development opportunity for the county.
Nov 6, 2024·Board meeting
Audit & Finance Committee Budget Session
The committee session involved a review of the 2025 budget for Human Services departments, including Social Services, Children Youth and Family, Crime Victims, Veterans Health, Mental Health, Aging, and the Nursing Home. Key budget discussions focused on a total appropriation of $150 million, noting an 8% increase in the County share driven by Medicaid costs. Personnel changes included creating two new titles: an Inventory and Supply Associate and a Social Services Project Coordinator, along with salary adjustments for non-union staff and specific increases for the Staff Development Coordinator and hourly Fraud Investigators. Financial updates also covered an increase in fee for services due to a contract for disability document scanning backlog. The Human Services Commissioner reported on increased caseloads for Child Care Benefits requiring an additional $1 million request, rising shelter expenses necessitating a $1 million increase in safety net funding, and a request for $300,000 more for Emergency Assistance Aid for Adults due to increased costs. The Children Youth and Family Services presentation detailed efforts to streamline technology, adding three positions (two Public Health positions for the expanded Healthy Families program and an Eligibility Examiner III), and focusing on community engagement initiatives like 'Shifting Power for Equity and Results' in the West End, as well as a pilot pre-diversion program with probation for truant youth. A significant focus was placed on efforts to improve recruitment and retention of licensed clinicians and direct care workers due to staffing shortages, and successful initiatives to move children from congregate care to certified foster or kin families.
