Jennifer M. DeMetro

The First Quarterly Session addressed several communications referred to various committees, including requests concerning tax refunds, designation of county fund depositories, contract renewals for the Office for Aging and Public Health programs, and agreements related to social services and sewer district operations. Key actions included the adoption of resolutions designating county fund depositories for 2017, authorizing tax refunds and corrections, approving agreements for Employee Assistance Program services, and awarding bids for sewer district chemicals and laboratory services. Resolutions were also adopted concerning contracts for Flexible Funds for Family Services Plan, codes enforcement agreements, the electronic medical records system, sales tax payments to the City of Little Falls, the provisional appointment of the Director of Weights and Measures, designation of the official county newspaper, reappointment to the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority, and requesting legislation for sales tax extension.

The joint committee meeting covered several items related to Human Resources and Ways & Means. Key discussions and approvals included an amendment to the contract with Catholic Charities in Mental Health, accepting funding and approving a contract with Catholic Charities in DSS, and amending the budget in connection with HealthNet funding. The committee also addressed budget amendments and account creations related to various Public Health grants (Emergency Preparedness, Healthy Families, COVID-19 funding), the approval to purchase a Grant Tracking System for Public Health, and amendments to the Salary Schedule No. II and budget/account creations for the Office for the Aging concerning SSC6, CMC6, HDC6, PHC6, and FCC6 funding streams. All items discussed were unanimously approved for resolution.

The County Properties Committee meeting agenda included the approval of the sale of County-owned tax-acquired land, which was unanimously approved. Additionally, the committee entered a closed session to receive advice from Counsel, discussing matters relevant to county properties before adjourning.

The Education and Ways & Means Committee meeting involved discussions on two primary items. The committees voted unanimously to adopt an HCCC Resolution pertaining to a roof project and approved the necessary appropriation. Following this, the Education Committee adjourned, and the Ways & Means Committee continued its proceedings.

The Ways & Means Committee meeting focused on several budgetary and procedural items. Key discussions included audit presentations via Request for Proposal (RFP) and the acceptance of several departmental budgets. Specifically, the committee voted to accept the budgets for 911/Emergency Management, Probation/Alternatives, and Sheriff/Jail/Boat Patrol. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.