Board Of Legislators Organizational Session
The meeting commenced with the swearing in of the new Board Members by the County Clerk. Key actions included the election of Legislator William Johnson as Chairman and Legislator Patrick Jareo as Vice Chairman for the 2026 term, with both taking their respective Oaths of Office. The Board received several appointment recommendations from the Chairman for various Director roles (Stop DWI Coordinator, Veterans Services Director, Employment & Training Director) and a Clerk recommendation for the Deputy Clerk of the Board. Reports were presented by the County Treasurer on Investments and Cash In Banks as of November 30, 2025, and by the County Administrator on December 2025 Budget Transfers. The majority of the session was dedicated to waiving Standing Rules to adopt a comprehensive new set of Standing Rules (Resolution No. 1) governing meetings, organization, rules of procedure, and committees for the Board of Legislators. Additionally, the Board appointed various officers including the Clerk of the Board, Budget Officer, County Attorney, County Auditor, Director of Aviation, Director of Employment & Training, Director of Fire & Emergency Management Services, County Historian, Director of Information Technology, Director of Insurance, Medical Director, Director of the Office for the Aging, Director of Planning & Community Development, Interim Public Defender, and Director of Public Health. Resolutions were also passed designating official depositories and newspapers for 2026, delegating authority to the County Auditor for certain real property tax refunds, and authorizing agreements for public benefit services and funding allocations to several entities including the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, Community Action Planning Council, Cooperative Extension Service, Disabled Persons Action Organization, Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jefferson County Local Development Corporation, North Country Library System, Northern Regional Center for Independent Living, and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District.