Heather Marlow

The Franklin County Legislature addressed several administrative and financial items, including employee recognition for longevity, updating succession plans for Emergency Services, and paying various outstanding invoices from previous years using 2026 funds. Significant financial and infrastructure items included establishing accounts for bridge repairs related to storm damage, amending the capital project budget for guide rail replacements, and supporting broadband deployment infrastructure. Additionally, the Board adopted a revised fixed asset policy, authorized a contract for event services for a Senior Picnic, accepted a worker's compensation claim buyout proposal, and approved the creation of temporary Law Clerk positions for the Public Defender's office.

The board authorized several budget amendments, including grant funding for Office for the Aging, Emergency Services, and Community Services. They established a new capital project for courthouse flooring and created a new position for a Building Maintenance Worker II. The board also supported state legislation to increase weight and width limits for all-terrain vehicles, approved the conveyance of county-owned property, authorized various economic development and special education service contracts, and proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month.

The board authorized the payment of a 2025 invoice from 2026 funds and established standard work days for elected and appointed officials. Appointments were made to the Tourism Advisory Committee, and a new Assisted Outpatient Treatment Coordinator position was created. The legislature accepted the mortgage tax schedule for a six-month period and honored a volunteer fire department member for 45 years of service. Additionally, the board authorized contracts for a multi-use trail project and various small business grant awards, and amended the 2026 Highway Department budget.

The Legislature addressed various items including employee recognition through longevity awards, authorization to accept and appropriate SHINE funds for the Office for the Aging, and a formal commendation for a dedicated community volunteer. Additionally, appointments were made to the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board, budget amendments were approved for the Transportation and Highway departments, and a date was set for the auction of county-owned property acquired through tax sales. The meeting also included authorization for the Sheriff's Department to enter into agreements for Special Patrol Officers with several school districts and BOCES, the restructuring of an Assistant District Attorney position, a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month, and the awarding of insurance coverage for the upcoming policy year.

The meeting included the acceptance of the Franklin County Sheriff's annual report. Several resolutions were passed, including the authorization to accept grant funds and amend the 2026 budget for the Office for the Aging and Social Services. The board authorized budget amendments for the SAEF program and approved small business grant awards for multiple local organizations. Additionally, the Legislature approved the creation and staffing of several positions, including a Case Manager and Legal Secretary for the District Attorney's office, as well as a Deputy County Manager position. Finally, authorizations were granted for change orders and contract amendments related to ongoing broadband projects.