Chad Edwards

The Personnel Committee meeting included a review of financial reports for 2022 Health Insurance, noting expenditures and deductible tracking. The committee also discussed the issuance of 1095-C forms for the 2021 tax year and the transition of Medicare-eligible retirees to the UHC Medicare Advantage Plan. Old business involved updates on negotiations with TCLEA and the prioritization of the Management/Confidential Salary Study for RFP finalization. New business included the distribution of the Personnel Department's 2021 Annual Report and preparations for interviewing Personnel Officer candidates. Personnel matters covered a headcount report indicating funded vacancies across various departments, salary impacts from filled vacancies and reclassifications, and the submission of the NYS Civil Service Annual Report detailing provisional rates and testing conducted in 2021. Resolutions included authorizing the provisional appointment of a Systems Administrator and the reclassification of an Account Clerk-Typist position to Office Specialist III in Emergency Services.

The meeting covered several financial and personnel matters. Financial discussions included reviewing the budget tracking report as of January's end, noting collected revenue and spent appropriations. Key actions included completing 2024 4th Quarter Self-Insurance payroll reporting and processing payments, and distributing OSHA injury/illness reports. Personnel topics involved reviewing the Head Count Report showing 36 FT and 41 PT funded vacancies across various departments, and noting changes on the Vacancies Filled-Salary Difference Report. Resolutions addressed amending a previous resolution to update the salary reallocation for the Public Health Technician retroactive to January 13, 2025, re-appointing the County Historian for a two-year term, creating and funding a new permanent full-time Clinical Social Worker position in Mental Hygiene effective March 10, 2025, and authorizing amendments to the Employee Handbook regarding vacation sellback parameters and expanding bereavement leave to include 'stepparent.' Additionally, appointments were authorized for the 4th Assistant District Attorney (with an incumbent transitioning) and the 2nd Assistant District Attorney, as well as the appointment of a new Deputy Clerk to the Legislature, pending a criminal background check. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting addressed the budget status, confirming it is tracking as expected. Key project updates included ongoing work on Fixed Assets matching depreciation records, transferring Minutes and Resolutions into Munis for TCMEE, and continued requests for SSRS reports. For the Fiber Optic Ring construction, necessary permits were completed, and site reviews conducted; a follow-up review with Public Safety is pending. Regarding the Camera System, all cameras have been deployed at 56 Main and are undergoing final testing and adjustment.

The session began with the consideration and adoption of two Local Laws: one imposing additional surcharges for telephonic communication and another reapportioning the Tioga County Legislature. The primary discussion centered on the Interoperable Communications System upgrade, detailing significant issues with the existing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, including coverage failures and manufacturer support deficits. A potential Motorola upgrade costing $9.6 million was discussed, along with the need for two additional towers to increase coverage from 50% to approximately 90%. Funding sources reviewed included pending New York State grants, Formula Interoperable Grants, $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and the 911 surcharge fund. Additionally, the legislature discussed amending Resolution 33-20 concerning the Tioga Downs Casino Revenue, proposing to maintain it as a savings account rather than incorporating it into the yearly budget, and considering the use of excess fund balance (above the 28% policy limit) to partially finance the radio communications project. Administrative training updates were also reviewed.

The Public Safety Committee meeting included a presentation on the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) budget and activities. Key resolutions involved awarding and appropriating funds for multiple grants, including the 2017 Emergency Management Planning Grant (EMPG17), the 2017 Homeland Security Grant (SHSP17), the Hazardous Mitigation Planning Grant (HMPG16), and the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant (HMEP17). The committee also authorized the submission of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG17) application and approved budget modifications. The Sheriff's Office discussed budget status, personnel levels (noting vacant Correction Officer and Unfunded Road Patrol positions), and resolutions to apply for the 2018 PSAP Operations Grant, appropriate 2017 Homeland Security Grant funds, authorize a 2018 contract extension for Inmate Medical Care, and authorize 2018 contracts with SADD School Associates. The Bureau of Fire reported on training, the increased cost of CPR cards, and discussed the cancer bill. The Probation department noted budget status, an open Probation Officer position, and provided updates on the Justice Breakfast, grant meetings, and representation planning for after-hours arraignment.