Patricia J. Beck

The public hearing was held to discuss the tentative budget as submitted by the County Executive and the report of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Legislature. A key discussion point included a public comment urging the reinstatement of the Director of Finance position in the 2026 Budget.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and a moment of silence for recently deceased community members who served in the military. Key discussions and actions involved the approval of previous minutes, budgetary transfers, and the acceptance of the procurement record. New business was dominated by numerous resolutions amending the 2026 operating budget across various departments including Social Services (cooperative agreements with the Sheriff's office and Department of Public Works), Mental Health, Children and Youth, Public Health, Farmland Protection, and Economic Development. Specific resolutions authorized contracts for non-secured detention services, fire alarm maintenance, flood insurance, and funding for the Music of the Mohawks summer concert series. Additionally, amendments were made to the 2025 operating budget for mental health, and resolutions addressed the utilization of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and amendments to the 2026 capital plan, including a contentious discussion regarding fund reallocation between building improvements and equipment purchases.

The Personnel Committee meeting included a general discussion period for committee members and legislators regarding departments governed by the committee. The primary action item was the consideration of a resolution authorizing the County Executive to sign a renewal agreement with Niagara Life & Health Insurance Company for Stop Loss coverage.

The meeting proceedings included several actions regarding personnel and budgeting for the upcoming year. Key discussions involved adopting the revised Non-Bargaining Personnel Policy for 2026, which includes an updated salary schedule, and adopting the 2026 Operating Budget and Capital Plan, which involved numerous amendments to appropriations and revenues. Several resolutions authorized agreements for essential services, including the renewal of a contract with INFINITY MED SOLUTIONS LLC for physicals and drug testing, an agreement with Catholic Charities for warming station operations during Code Blue alerts, agreements for services to the aging population (e.g., PERS, CDPAP), an agreement with IPH for Code Blue services at Danielle's House, a contract renewal for Non-Secure Detention services with Steuben County, an extension for NYSDA case management software maintenance, and a ten-year contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for body camera software. Furthermore, the Legislature rescinded a previous resolution regarding mileage and travel reimbursement for assigned counsel and approved an amendment to the 2025 Operating Budget for the Sheriff's Office due to operational difficulties. A change order was also authorized for structural repairs at the Amsterdam Transfer Station, with the County intending to seek reimbursement from the responsible contractor, Gotta Do Contracting, LLC. Finally, the County Treasurer was authorized to disburse Mortgage Tax money for the period of April 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, and to approve the Abstract of Audited Claims for the period ending November 18, 2025.

The meeting agenda included a general discussion period for items of interest regarding departments governed by the Committee, a resolution to amend the 2025 Operating Budget for Assigned Counsel (Conflict Defender), and an item for 'Other' business. The resolution to amend the operating budget was moved to the full Legislature.