🏢 Orleans County Legislature
Orleans County Legislators OK Funds for Sheriff’s Office App, K-9 Unit, and Ammunition
The Orleans County Legislature approved over $40,000 in expenditures for the Sheriff’s Office during their October 28 meeting, including funds for a mobile app maintenance, ammunition, and a K-9 unit donation. Legislators also recognized local 4-H educators, a long-time business owner, and the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved $12,285 annual maintenance fee for Sheriff’s Office mobile app (Vote: 6-0)
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Authorized $23,686.02 purchase of ammunition for SWAT team from Jurek Brothers Inc. (Vote: 6-0)
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Accepted $5,000 in community donations for the Sheriff's K-9 unit (Vote: 6-0)
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Created and filled five part-time Correction Officer positions due to vacancies and resignations (Vote: 6-0)
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Moved tax foreclosure auction to February 17, 2026, to comply with new state laws
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Approved lighting Courthouse Dome green from Nov. 4-11 for Operation Green Light
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Recognized Kristina Gabalski for State and National 4-H achievement
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Proclaimed November as National Adoption Awareness Month
ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature convened on October 28 to address a mix of financial approvals, departmental staffing, and community recognitions, all while keeping a close eye on tightening budget caps.
The meeting, called to order by Chairman Lynne Johnson at 4:30 p.m., began with a moment of silence for former Legislator Frank Berger, who served the county from 1980 to 1994. Berger was remembered for his service in the U.S. Navy and his 30-year career as a teacher.
Following the invocation by Emergency Management Office Director Justin Niederhofer, the Legislature moved quickly through a series of resolutions impacting county law enforcement operations.
Sheriff’s Office Expenditures
The Legislature authorized a significant investment in digital communication tools for the Sheriff’s Office. Resolution 428-1025 approved a yearly maintenance agreement with OCV, LLC for "TheSheriffApp.com" at a cost of $12,285. The five-year agreement, effective June 12, 2025, through June 11, 2030, will be paid from the Sheriff’s budget.
Legislators also approved the purchase of ammunition for the department’s SWAT team. Resolution 429-1025 authorized $23,686.02 to be paid to Jurek Brothers Inc. in Greenfield, Massachusetts, utilizing a New York State OGS contract.
In a move that offsets some taxpayer costs, the Legislature accepted $5,000 in community donations specifically designated for the K-9 unit. Resolution 430-1025 authorized the County Treasurer to set up the new revenue in the Sheriff’s budget for the K-9 Sheriff appropriation.
Staffing changes within the corrections department were also addressed. Resolution 431-1025 authorized the filling of one vacant part-time Correction Officer position and the creation and filling of four additional part-time Correction Officer roles, all effective November 5, 2025. The starting wage for these positions is set at $21.42 per hour. The resolution cited recent resignations and vacancies as the driver for the new hires.
All resolutions regarding the Sheriff’s Office passed with a vote of 6 to 0. Legislator Eick was absent.
Community and Historical Recognitions
Before diving into the resolutions, the Legislature took time to honor several community achievements.
Legislator Morgan presented a special recognition to Kristina Gabalski, a Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educator, for receiving the NAE4-HA Achievement in Service award at both the state and national levels. Gabalski addressed the Legislature, emphasizing the value of the 4-H program in keeping youth engaged in the community.
"They do you proud when they are outside the county," Gabalski said. "We have to really make them stakeholders so they want to stay here once they leave high school."
Morgan also recognized Randy Hanks, owner of Oak Orchard Bowl, for 20 years of ownership and the alley’s 65-year history. Hanks was commended for his support of youth baseball and graduating seniors through charitable tournaments.
The meeting also featured a historical celebration. Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a proclamation to Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and Tourism Director Dawn Borchert marking the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal. Hawley highlighted Orleans County's unique distinction of containing nearly 50% of the historic lift bridges on the canal.
Financial Watch
County Treasurer Kim DeFrank provided a financial update, noting that community college costs have totaled $1.809 million to date, leaving roughly $240,000 before hitting the county's cap. DeFrank warned that an anticipated bill from Niagara Community College could add another $100,000, bringing the county close to its limit by the end of the year.
DeFrank also announced a change in the schedule for the tax foreclosure auction. The auction has been moved to February 17, 2026. The delay is necessary to comply with new tax foreclosure laws that have extended the timeline for proceedings.
Other Business
In other actions, the Legislature approved a request to light the Courthouse Dome green from November 4 through November 11 for "Operation Green Light" in honor of veterans.
Legislator Miller presented a proclamation declaring November as National Adoption Awareness Month. Cyndi Stumer, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, accepted the proclamation and encouraged residents interested in foster care or adoption to reach out to Caseworker Elizabeth Boring.
The meeting adjourned following the completion of the resolution presentations.
Coverage of the Orleans County Legislature meeting on 2025-10-28,
Village of Albion, NY.
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Related Orleans County Legislature Meetings
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Restructured Sheriff’s Office command: Created a new full-time Road Patrol Lieutenant position and filled a Road Patrol Sergeant vacancy, effective Dec 24.
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Extended EMS contract: Renewed agreement with University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group for medical director services at $180/hour.
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Extended Assigned Counsel Plan: Extended the plan for indigent defense for three years through 2028.
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Honored retirees: Recognized Patricia Eick (30 years) and Fran Gaylord (25 years) upon their retirement from the Emergency Management Office.
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Orleans County Legislature Approves New Safety Gear for Sheriff, 911 Tech Upgrade
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Opioid Settlement: Authorized an agreement with Sandoz, Inc. to receive settlement funds in 2026 for opioid remediation.
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