Public Safety Committee Minutes
The Public Safety Committee meeting included updates from several departments. The Coroner's Office reported on case numbers and obtained authorization for an agreement with Geneva General Hospital for autopsy services, while the District Attorney clarified that necessary autopsies should not be avoided due to cost. The Probation Department filled one vacant position. Pre-Trial Services is investigating alternative electronic monitoring bracelets. The Fire Coordinator's Office reported an increase in fires and submitted its annual report. The Public Defender's Office discussed receiving significant reimbursement for Indigent Legal Services (ILS) claims and executed an extension agreement for its ILS contract and an amendment regarding ILS contract funds. The Sheriff's Office reported statistics for January, noting improving staffing levels and decreasing overtime usage, and secured approvals for contract amendments and grant fund rollovers/amendments. The EMS Department reviewed billing operations with the Nursing Home Comptroller, identifying issues with insurance verification by the current out-of-state vendor, and discussed a proposal to abolish four paramedic positions to create four supervisory positions to ensure 24-hour supervisory coverage, which would incur a modest additional cost. Emergency Management Services received authorizations to amend the budget and expend funds from Homeland Security Grants.