ALBION — In their first meeting since the general election, the Orleans County Legislature convened on November 19 to address personnel gaps in public safety and technology, while finalizing financial agreements ahead of the 2025 fiscal year. Chairman Lynne Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. with all seven legislators present: Allport, Draper, Eick, Fitzak, Johnson, Miller, and Morgan. The session moved efficiently through a slate of resolutions aimed at maintaining county operations. Staffing the Sheriff’s Office and IT A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing staffing shortages. Resolution 536 authorized the filling of four vacant part-time Correction Officer positions at a rate of $21.00 per hour, effective November 27. Additionally, the legislature approved the hiring of a full-time Correction Officer to fill a vacancy created by a retirement, effective December 1. To manage these staffing needs, the legislature also authorized the creation of a temporary full-time Corrections Lieutenant position. The resolution stipulated that this temporary role, and any vacancies created by filling it, would be abolished once the displaced employee returns to full duty. All personnel moves for the Sheriff’s Office passed with a 7-0 vote. The Information Technology Services Department received similar attention. Legislator Fitzak moved to authorize the filling of a vacant Computer Specialist position (Grade 16). He then successfully moved to amend the resolution to include the filling of a Senior Computer Specialist position (Grade 18), following a recent resignation. Both positions are set to be filled in early December. Legal Defense and Cyber Security The legislature took steps to bolster legal capabilities through the Public Defender’s office. Resolution 539 authorized a retainer agreement with Dr. Ana Natasha Cervantes, a forensic expert based in East Amherst. The $10,500 retainer, effective for two years, will cover specific forensic evaluations. Treasurer Kimberly DeFrank’s office noted that there would be no cost to county taxpayers, as the expense is fully covered under a state contract (CSTWIDEHH33). On the technology security front, the county approved a Cyber Information Sharing and Collaboration Agreement (Resolution 540). This three-year pact with New York State Information Technology Services and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will facilitate the sharing of security information. The legislature approved the agreement at no cost to the county. Financial Housekeeping Treasurer Kimberly DeFrank provided updates on the county’s financial health as the year closes. She highlighted a mandatory annual retirement bill of $3,153,181.00. DeFrank noted that paying this bill by December 15 would yield a savings of $22,675.00. Additionally, DeFrank reported that bills from Genesee Community College totaled $975,540.67, which is approximately $120,000 under the budgeted amount. She also announced a positive development in the county’s cash flow: the receipt of $2 million in loan repayments from the Broadband project, which has been returned to the general fund. Looking Ahead The legislature set a public hearing for December 17, 2024, at 4:25 p.m. to discuss Local Law No. 4, which proposes salary increases for various county employees appointed or elected for definite terms. In other business, the legislature authorized a secretarial services agreement for the County Attorney’s office, effective for 2025 and 2026, at an annual cost of $19,620. Correction officers' new hires will help alleviate shortages at the jail. Also on the docket was the acceptance of $450 in donations from community members specifically for the Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit. The money will be used to support the unit's operations. The meeting concluded with the approval of routine maintenance contracts for the Sheriff’s office, including $10,900 for the jail’s body scanner and $4,397 for the fingerprint system, as well as the authorization of nearly $10,000 in ammunition purchases for the SWAT team.