Kip Cassavaw

The public hearing was convened to discuss Proposed Local Law 1 of 2026, which aims to rescind Local Law 3 of 2025. Local Law 3 of 2025, enacted as a precautionary measure, set a tax levy limit override for Franklin County for 2026. The Legislature determined that the 2026 budget process will allow the budget to remain within the established tax levy limit, necessitating the rescission. No written or oral comments were received during the hearing.

The meeting included the announcement and adoption of the 2026 committee assignments across various functional areas, such as Administrative Finance, Public Safety, and Human Resources. Resolutions were adopted to recognize employees for longevity service awards in January 2026, appoint members to the Worker's Compensation Labor Management Safety Committee, authorize the District Attorney to accept funds and amend the 2026 budget related to ICE Forfeiture, approve the appointment of Stacy Wheeler to the North Country Workforce Development Board, authorize amendments to the 2026 Highway Department budget for bridge projects and funding allocation, create and fill a part-time Investigator Position for the Conflict Defender, and set a Public Hearing to rescind Local Law 3 of 2025 regarding the 2026 tax levy limit. Furthermore, the Legislature authorized a change order increasing the contract amount with TRC for Phase I Broadband Project 'Make Ready Work'.

The primary purpose of this meeting was organizational. Key actions included the election of a Permanent Chairman, Vice Chairperson, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader for the year 2026. Additionally, the Legislature adopted Resolution No. 1, which adopted the Standing Rules of the Franklin County Legislature for 2026, detailing procedures for quorum, meetings, order of business, and committee structure. Several appointments were confirmed via resolution, including Janelle LaVigne as County Attorney and Mandy Cassavaw as County Auditor for three-year terms. Resolution No. 4 designated 'The Malone Telegram' and 'The Adirondack Daily Enterprise' as official County newspapers. Finally, Resolution No. 5 authorized the creation and filling of a reimbursable Laborer Position within Buildings & Grounds, funded by the contract with the New York State Unified Court System.

Key discussions and resolutions during the meeting included the authorization to create and fill a Temporary Laborer Position for Buildings & Grounds to assist during an employee's medical leave, with salary details specified for 2025 and 2026. The Legislature authorized contracts with the Town of Tupper Lake and Franklin Snowmobilers, Inc. for snowmobile trail grooming and maintenance for the 2025-2026 season, detailing contract amounts. Several budget amendments were approved for Community Services: accepting Federal Salary Sharing Funds ($104,272.00), accepting Opioid LGU Regional Abatement Settlement Funds ($81,424), accepting a $2,000 donation for the Suicide Prevention Coalition, and amending the budget based on additional State Aid funding for cost of living adjustments and reallocation. The board also authorized payment of an outstanding 2024 invoice for Aide Services provided to Tupper Lake Central School District from 2025 funds. A resolution regarding appointments to the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board was referred back to committee. Finally, the board approved the Final Scoping Document for the Franklin County Multi-Use Recreational Trail System Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) and authorized the preparation of the Draft GEIS. A resolution was passed honoring Josh Dann for being named New York State's High School Principal of the Year for 2025.

The board meeting addressed several critical issues, particularly concerning financial stability and infrastructure projects amidst anticipated state budget shortfalls. Key discussions involved the funding structure (80% federal, 15% state, 5% local share) for bridge projects, specifically County Route 16, and the need for timely reimbursement to avoid cash flow issues. The board discussed the implementation and funding of transportation projects, potentially involving 100% initial funding eligibility for state/federal aid. Personnel matters included the status of account clerk positions, approval for a Social Welfare Examiner extension (HEAP funded), and the hiring process for a deputy coroner. Furthermore, discussions covered potential short-term borrowing via TAN or RAN due to expected severe state aid reductions. The board also decided on postponing or waiving county interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes for April and May due to the economic climate, and accepted the offer of a refrigerated trailer from the Town of Burke via an MoU for potential emergency use.