The Orleans County Legislature moved to shore up county technology and emergency communications infrastructure during their July 22 meeting, while also setting the stage for future salary increases for management and elected officials. Meeting in Albion, the legislature unanimously approved a series of resolutions impacting county operations, from computer upgrades to radio system expansions. In a move aimed at providing cost certainty and addressing quality of life measures, the legislature adopted a new Management Compensation Plan. The resolution, which passed with a 6-0 vote (Legislator Allport was absent), outlines salary adjustments for management and elected officials. The plan includes a 2% compensation increase effective January 1, 2026, and a subsequent 2% increase in January 2027. The plan will be filed with the Clerk of the Legislature by the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Personnel. Public safety and emergency response capabilities were a major focus of the evening’s spending. The legislature authorized an amendment to the existing agreement with L3 Harris Technologies regarding the county’s 800 MHz P25 radio system. The original five-year agreement, approved in 2022, carried a price tag of $620,676. The amendment adds $33,833 to cover services for the newly erected Carlton Tower site. To fund this addition, the legislature authorized the expenditure of $22,332 from the State Interoperable Communication Grant (SICG) FY24 budget, covering professional services through June 30, 2026. Further upgrades to the Emergency Management Office (EMO) were also approved. The legislature authorized a payment of $15,226.25 to Colliers Engineering and Design for professional services related to the proposed EMO facility located at 14064 West County House Road in Albion. Additionally, an EMO employee was granted approval to travel out of state to Washington D.C. for the First Responders Summit, with expenses covered by the department’s travel budget. On the technology front, the county is moving forward with a significant hardware refresh. The legislature authorized the purchase of 67 computers from Dell Marketing L.P. at a cost of $63,816. The purchase falls under the OMNIA Contract and will be paid from various county department budgets under the office equipment line item. The legislature also accepted external funding to support county services. In a significant financial move, lawmakers approved accepting $172,726 from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. These funds, effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, are designated to offset ongoing costs associated with the "Raise the Age" legislation, which shifted the age of criminal responsibility in New York. The Probation Department was also granted expanded tools. Legislators approved an agreement with the New York State Intelligence Center, granting the department access to information regarding violent gang and terrorist organizations. The resolution noted there would be no cost to the county for this access. Residents interacting with county offices will see a change in hours at the Real Property Tax Department. The legislature voted to deviate from normal county work hours, establishing new year-round hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., effective immediately. In other business, the county is positioning itself to receive funds from ongoing opioid litigation. The legislature authorized Chairman Lynne Johnson to sign a Participation and Settlement Agreement with opioid manufacturer Sandoz, Inc. The county is set to receive its share of settlement funds in 2026, which must be used strictly for opioid remediation and abatement efforts. The meeting also saw the appointment of Sarah Dale, Deputy Clerk of the Legislature, to serve as the Records Management Officer. The position carries an annual stipend of $2,500. Prior to the resolutions, the meeting opened with commendations for county staff. Clerk Lisa Stenshorn read a letter from a resident praising the DMV staff for their patience and excellent service despite long wait times attributed to the Real ID initiative. Additionally, Corey Winters, Director of Planning and Development, was recognized by the Village of Holley for his assistance in implementing local laws tied to the FEMA Flood Study. Legislators present for the meeting included Chairman Johnson and Legislators Draper, Eick, Fitzak, Miller, and Morgan. Legislator Allport was absent. The meeting was adjourned following the adoption of the resolutions.