ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature unanimously approved a slate of grant applications and law enforcement funding measures during its regular meeting on May 27, 2025. The session, held at the county courthouse and led by Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, focused heavily on public safety funding and administrative updates, alongside several proclamations recognizing county departments and community organizations. Law enforcement funding led the agenda with the passage of Resolution No. 217-525. Legislators authorized the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to accept a $40,000 grant from the New York State Canal Corporation. This funding, effective from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, will support patrols along the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail. The deputies assigned to these patrols are tasked with enforcing state marine laws and monitoring activity on the water and pathways. The Legislature also moved to modernize emergency communications capabilities. Through Resolution No. 219-525, the body authorized the Sheriff’s Office to apply for the Next Generation 911 Grant Program. Administered by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the funding is intended to help county-level public safety answering points (PSAPs) develop multijurisdictional compatibility and improve interoperability for first responders. “This grant funding is essential to ensuring our emergency services can communicate effectively and continue to protect our residents,” said Johnson following the vote. In other financial matters, the Legislature authorized the Sheriff’s Office to apply for a federal grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Under the Bullet Proof Vest Partnership initiative, the county can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of body armor vests purchased for deputies. Additionally, the county accepted a $10,762 lump sum grant from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services to continue the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) community service program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Residents utilizing the Sheriff’s Office for civil legal processing will see higher fees starting July 1. Resolution No. 220-525 updated the civil office fee schedule to reflect increases signed into law by Governor Hochul in December 2024. The new schedule introduces a mileage-based rate structure for serving legal papers. For example, service within the Albion zip code (14411) will carry a $20.00 mileage fee, while service in outlying areas like Kendall or Lyndonville will cost $28.00. Fees for income executions will rise to $110.00, and property executions will cost $85.00. The resolution also stipulates that all civil fees must be paid in advance and that the Sheriff’s Office cannot provide legal advice to litigants. Beyond financial resolutions, the meeting served as a platform for community recognition. Legislator John Miller presented a joint proclamation to the Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging declaring June as Elder Abuse Month. Accepting the proclamation were DSS caseworkers Julie Sanford and Teri Lester, and Aging Service Specialist Samantha Koons. The Legislature also marked a significant milestone for the Office for the Aging. Clerk Lisa Stenshorn read a letter from Eileen Kosieracki, DO, congratulating the office on reaching its 50-year anniversary of service to the community. Other proclamations included: * Legislator Morgan proclaimed June 7, 2025, as DAR Month, honoring the Centennial anniversary of the Orleans Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. * Legislator Allport declared the week of May 11th as National Hospital Week, recognizing Orleans Community Health. Executive Director Megan Johnson and Marketing Director Scott Robinson were present to accept the honor. In minor business, the Legislature approved a request from Village of Albion Recreation Director John Grillo to hang a banner advertising summer concerts at Bullard Park. While the county typically limits banner displays to two weeks, the Legislature granted an exception for the concert series to run from June 16 to August 27, provided the banner is removed if another organization requests the space. The meeting adjourned with all seven legislators—Allport, Draper, Eick, Fitzak, Johnson, Morgan, and Miller—present. The next scheduled meeting of the Orleans County Legislature is set for June.