ALBION — Citing a need to protect county data and modernize systems, the Orleans County Legislature unanimously approved nearly $40,000 in technology purchases during their regular meeting Thursday afternoon. The legislators met on Feb. 20 at the County Courthouse in Albion. Vice Chairman William Eick presided over the meeting, which saw five members in attendance. Chairman Lynne Johnson and Legislator Allport were absent. The majority of the meeting’s financial decisions centered on upgrading county IT infrastructure. Legislators authorized the purchase of Office 365 licensing from Dell Marketing for $26,043. Additionally, the body approved a $12,355 purchase for cybersecurity software from Layer 3 Technologies in Rochester. Both purchases will be paid from the Information Technology Services budget. According to the meeting minutes, the software purchases are part of the county’s ongoing effort to secure digital infrastructure. The Microsoft license is part of a larger "Umbrella Contract," while the Layer 3 Technologies purchase covers the OMNIA R191902 security software. The IT department also secured an updated agreement with ConnectWise LLC for remote monitoring and backup services. Resolution 79-225 noted that the updated contract would result in "no additional County cost" to taxpayers. Beyond technology, the Legislature moved to bolster staffing in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Resolution 76-225, moved by Legislator Draper and seconded by Legislator Fitzak, authorized the creation of a temporary full-time Corrections Officer position. The temporary role, graded at Level 5 of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association (OCSEA) salary schedule, was created to cover staffing gaps. The resolution stipulates that the temporary position will be abolished once the specific employee returns to full duty. The Legislature also authorized the filling of a vacant part-time Marine Deputy Sheriff position in the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol. The position pays $18.22 per hour for non-certified deputies and $21.75 for certified deputies. "These positions are vital for maintaining safety on our waterways and ensuring the security of the corrections facility," said Legislator Draper, speaking in support of the resolutions. On the financial front, Treasurer Kimberly DeFrank provided a brief update regarding the county’s cash flow. She noted that the county processed three payrolls in January, a change from previous years due to how payroll deductions are now reported. "We are now reporting our payroll deductions in the payroll line rather than the all other dispersements," DeFrank explained. She added that towns have begun sending in tax collections and that she would stagger the investment of those funds to maximize interest earnings before the money is needed for payments. In other public safety news, the Legislature ratified the acceptance of over $117,000 in state grant funding. Resolution 75-225 authorized the Treasurer to set up grant funds received from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The funds, totaling $117,906, will be used in the Sheriff’s Office budget to enhance law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. The money covers several state grants, including the Secure/Greenwood (SG) program and the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (SLETPP). The meeting also included a ceremonial moment. Legislator Miller presented a proclamation to ArcGLOW declaring March as Disabilities Awareness Month. Lisa Bors, Vice President of Public Relations for ArcGLOW, accepted the honor alongside board directors. "We have a partnership with Meals on Wheels to provide meals to Orleans County senior residents," Bors said. "Orleans County has really stood by us from the beginning." The group encouraged residents to visit their website if they have a friend or relative in need of services and mentioned a fundraiser at Subway locations throughout the GLOW region. The Legislature also approved a blanket bond from the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal. This bond covers the County Clerk, Treasurer, District Attorney, Sheriff, and all other county officers and officials as required by law. This approval, mandated by County Law section 403, acts as an official undertaking for these elected and appointed officials. Before the session adjourned, the board approved a memorandum of agreement with the state regarding flood mitigation equipment. The agreement adds an addendum clarifying that the state retains ownership of flood mitigation trailers, while the county serves as the registrant, handling annual renewals and maintenance. The Legislature’s next scheduled meetings are expected to address the upcoming budget season, though a specific date for the next budget workshop was not set during this session.