Orleans Legislature Approves $160K Payment for Scrapped EMO Project, Seeks State Funding for Jail Addiction Treatment
The Orleans County Legislature authorized a final payment of over $160,000 to LaBella Associates for a now-cancelled Emergency Management Office building project during their March 25 meeting. Lawmakers also unanimously approved a resolution urging Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to increase funding for mandated medication-assisted treatment in county jails.
●Approved final payment of $160,187.26 to LaBella Associates for the cancelled Emergency Management Office building project.
●Adopted resolution urging NYS to increase Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) funding for county jails by $11 million.
●Authorized the Sheriff's Office to apply for a $5,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation for the "Shop with a Cop" program.
●Approved nearly $500,000 in grant funding for law enforcement technology upgrades.
●Authorized expenditure of $37,839.90 in grant funds for new mobile radios and accessories for Emergency Management.
●Approved agreements with Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina for marine fuel and vessel servicing for the 2025 season.
●Authorized filling vacancies in the Sheriff’s Office, including a full-time Deputy Sheriff and part-time Corrections Officers.
●Recognized Corrections Officers Brandi Brege and Lt. Danny Woodward for saving the life of an incarcerated individual.
ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature moved to close the book on a capital project that will not be built, while simultaneously advocating for increased state support for mandated services at the county jail, during their regular meeting on March 25.
During the session, which was presided over by Chairman Lynne Johnson and attended by all seven legislators, the board authorized a final payment to LaBella Associates for work on the new Emergency Management Office (EMO) facility.
**Capital Project Closure**
The Legislature voted to pay $160,187.26 to LaBella Associates, P.C. The payment serves as a final settlement for professional design services associated with Capital Project 2220319.01.
The county has officially rescinded plans to move forward with the EMO building as originally designed by the firm. The payment, authorized under Resolution No. 123-325, will be drawn from the capital project construction account. By approving the expenditure, the county is clearing the financial obligations associated with the design phase of the now-shelved project.
**Advocating for Jail Funding**
In a matter of statewide significance, the Legislature unanimously adopted Resolution No. 119-325, urging Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature to increase funding for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in county jails.
County jails are obligated by Mental Hygiene Law section 19.18-c to provide MAT services to incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders. However, local officials argue that the current state funding is insufficient. The resolution noted that the annual appropriation in the State’s Aid to Localities Budget has remained static at $8.865 million to support 56 county jails.
Orleans County is joining with the New York State Sheriffs' Association to request an $11 million increase in the budget allocation, bringing the total appropriation to $20 million. The County Clerk will forward certified copies of the resolution to state leaders, including Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator Robert Ortt, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
**Law Enforcement Grants and Equipment**
The Sheriff’s Office received authorization to bolster its technology and community outreach efforts.
Through Resolution No. 120-325, the Legislature authorized the Treasurer to set up $489,450.00 in the Sheriff’s budget. This revenue comes from the 2024 Law Enforcement Technology grant and will be appropriated for "Sheriff Other Equipment."
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office was greenlit to apply for a $5,000 community grant from the Walmart Foundation. If received, the funds will support the "Shop with a Cop" program, a local outreach initiative benefiting children and families in the community.
**Marine Patrol and Emergency Comms**
With boating season approaching, the Legislature approved two agreements with Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina in Kent. Resolution No. 116-325 authorized the purchase of fuel for marine vessels for 2024 marine and border security patrols, as well as servicing for the vessels for the 2025 season at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The Sheriff’s Office will seek partial reimbursement for fuel costs through available grant funding.
The Legislature also authorized the Director of Emergency Management to expend $37,839.90 in State Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) funds. The money will be used to purchase mobile radios, batteries, and accessories from L3 Harris Technologies to replace end-of-life equipment.
**Personnel Matters**
The board approved the filling of several vacancies within the Sheriff’s Office under Resolution No. 121-325.
Due to resignations, the Legislature authorized hiring for:
* A full-time Deputy Sheriff in the Road Patrol Division.
* Three part-time Corrections Officers in the Corrections Division.
* One part-time Marine Deputy Sheriff in the Marine Patrol.
**Recognitions and Proclamations**
Before diving into policy votes, the Legislature took time to recognize county employees and community members.
Legislator Draper presented special recognition to Corrections Officer Brandi Brege and Lieutenant Danny Woodward for saving the life of an incarcerated individual at the County Jail. Lt. Caufland praised the officers for their professionalism and speed in responding to the incident.
The board also issued proclamations declaring April 7-13 as National Public Health Week, accepted by Public Health Director Paul Pettit, and April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, accepted by DSS Commissioner Holli Nenni and her staff.
Vice Chairman Eick recognized March as Agriculture Month, acknowledging the importance of the farming industry to the local economy. Orleans County Farm Bureau President Chad Kirby accepted the proclamation.
**Treasury Report**
Treasurer Kim DeFrank reported that tax collections are proceeding as expected. The county is set to distribute $3.1 million next week, including $556,000 in first-quarter sales taxes to towns and villages, and $2.6 million for unpaid 2024 taxes to schools and villages.
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Coverage of the Orleans County Legislature meeting on 2025-03-25,
Village of Albion, NY.
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