ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature concluded its 2025 session on December 16 with a focus on bolstering public safety resources and honoring long-serving county employees. Meeting in legislative chambers, the seven-member body, led by Chairman Lynne Johnson, unanimously approved a slate of resolutions totaling nearly $100,000 in equipment and services for the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Prior to the votes, the legislature took a moment to recognize the departure of two veterans of the Emergency Management Office. Legislator Draper presented special recognitions to Patricia Eick, who is retiring after 30 years of service, and Fran Gaylord, a Deputy Fire Coordinator retiring after 25 years. The session also included a proclamation presented by Legislator Miller to Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, declaring January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The bulk of the meeting centered on maintaining the county’s emergency infrastructure. The legislature authorized $32,848.88 for the repair of the Sheriff’s Office marine vessel, M-1. The funding, which will cover collar skins and a bow cover from Safe Boats in Washington state, will be partially reimbursed by the New York State Parks and Recreation. The cost of the repairs is being managed through internal budget transfers, moving $32,850 from the SWAT overtime budget to the Navigation budget. Similarly, the legislature approved the purchase of tactical headsets for the SWAT team. The $5,447.41 purchase from Federal Eastern International includes five Peltor Comtac Headsets and three adaptors. To fund this without new tax revenue, the legislature authorized a transfer of $12,000 from the SWAT automotive and fuel budgets to the equipment line. In addition to equipment, the legislature approved personnel changes within the Sheriff’s Office. Resolution 535-1225 authorized the creation of a new full-time Road Patrol Lieutenant position and the filling of a Road Patrol Sergeant vacancy. These changes, effective December 24, also included the abolishment of an unspecified lower-level road patrol position to accommodate the new command structure. The department will also hire two part-time Public Safety Dispatchers to address recent resignations in communications. The Emergency Management Office also received updates. The legislature renewed its agreement with the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group for EMS Medical Director services for 2026. The contract covers six contracted hours at a rate of $180 per hour to support basic life support first response. Legislators also moved to modernize the county’s emergency planning capabilities. By a vote of 7-0, the legislature approved an amendment to a previous contract with Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI). The amendment adds GIS mapping capabilities to the ongoing county-wide fire and EMS study for an additional cost of $18,500. To support these initiatives and cover vehicle maintenance, the legislature authorized transferring $6,500 from personal costs to vehicle maintenance within the Emergency Management budget. The structure of the Emergency Management Office itself will see changes in the new year. The legislature abolished a vacant part-time Clerk position and replaced it with a part-time Emergency Management Planner position, effective January 1, 2026. On the financial front, County Treasurer Kim DeFrank reported that the county is in a stable position as the year ends. All tax levies have been distributed to other funds, and all debt service payments for 2025 are complete. DeFrank noted that the county is waiting for the return of a little over $1 million in loans made to other funds. Additionally, she reported that the Community College billing remains under the cap at $1,000,830 spent in 2025. In a move that will benefit both the county and local municipalities, the legislature approved a five-year tower lease agreement with Saia Communications for a tower on Hindsburg Road in Clarendon. The agreement will bring in $13,200 in revenue in the first year, with a 4% annual increase. Revenue generated from the lease will be shared equally with the Town of Clarendon. The legislature also extended the Assigned Counsel Plan, which provides legal representation for indigent defendants, for another three years through 2028. The associated administrative costs for the plan administrator were set at $35,000 annually, plus $6,000 for an administrative assistant, pending the availability of state grant funds. The meeting was adjourned following the unanimous passage of all resolutions.