🏢 Orleans County Legislature
Orleans County Legislators Approve Funds for School Resource Officer, New Narcotics Detection Tech
The Orleans County Legislature approved a new two-year agreement with the Albion Central School District for a School Resource Officer and authorized the purchase of new drug analysis equipment using opioid settlement funds during their July 30 meeting. Additionally, the body moved to expand hours for two Assistant District Attorneys and accepted a state grant for pre-trial services.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Albion Central School District for a School Resource Officer (SRO) from Sept. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, with daily compensation rates rising from $509.74 to $601.99 over the term.
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Authorized the purchase of two TruNarc drug analysis devices for the Sheriff and Probation departments at a cost of $38,285 per unit, utilizing opioid settlement revenue.
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Expanded work hours from 35 to 40 hours per week for two First Assistant District Attorneys, increasing their respective salaries to $95,503 and $87,859.
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Accepted a $70,577 state grant from the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives to fund Certified Pretrial Services through March 31, 2025.
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Authorized the acceptance of a $536,900 Law Enforcement Technology grant for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase equipment.
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Approved a $9,200 expenditure to install security cameras on six county Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communication towers.
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Authorized a $55,402.36 payment to LaBella Associates for design services regarding the new Emergency Management Office facility.
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Approved a $1,000 lifetime membership fee for Project Lifesaver to assist the Sheriff’s Office in locating residents who wander.
ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature moved to bolster school security and public safety capabilities during its regular meeting on July 30, approving a new contract for a School Resource Officer (SRO) and authorizing the purchase of advanced narcotics detection equipment.
Vice Chairman William Eick called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. With Legislator Johnson absent, the six members in attendance unanimously adopted a series of resolutions impacting county law enforcement and legal services.
School Resource Officer Agreement
In a move to maintain security within local schools, legislators approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the Albion Central School District. The agreement ensures the continued presence of an SRO effective September 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.
Under the terms of the contract, the district will compensate the Sheriff’s Office based on the school calendar. The daily rates are structured to increase over the three-year period: $509.74 for 2024, $553.89 for 2025, and $601.99 for 2026. The resolution also accounts for after-hours events, establishing an overtime hourly rate—including fringe expenses—that will rise from $60.73 in 2024 to $71.81 in 2026.
Investment in Drug Detection Technology
To address ongoing substance abuse issues, the legislature authorized the purchase of two TruNarc devices from Thermo Scientific at a cost of $38,285 per unit. These handheld analyzers allow officers to identify unknown substances without the need for subjective field tests.
Funding for the equipment will be drawn from the opioid settlement funds received by the county. The legislature authorized the Treasurer to set up new revenue lines in both the Sheriff’s and Probation budgets to accommodate the $257 allocation from the settlement, ensuring the purchase complies with state guidelines for the use of settlement funds.
District Attorney Staffing Changes
The legislature voted to expand the hours for two First Assistant District Attorneys. The resolution, effective immediately July 31, increases the work week from 35 to 40 hours.
Consequently, the salaries for these positions were adjusted to $95,503 and $87,859 respectively. Legislator Draper, who moved the resolution, noted that the increase reflects the additional workload. The body also authorized the filling of a vacant part-time Assistant District Attorney position at Grade 5 of the Management Salary Schedule.
Grant Funding and Emergency Management
Financial management was a key theme of the afternoon. Treasurer Kimberly DeFrank reported that the county’s monthly cash flow remains stable. The legislature acted to formalize several revenue streams, including the acceptance of a $536,900 Law Enforcement Technology grant for the Sheriff’s Office.
Additionally, the Probation Department was authorized to accept a $70,577 grant from the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives. This funding, valid from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, will offset costs associated with the department’s Certified Pretrial Services. Orleans County Probation has been certified by the Office of Court Administration as the designated pretrial agency for the county.
Infrastructure and Safety
On the infrastructure front, the legislature approved a $9,200 expenditure to install security cameras and software on six county Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communication towers. This project utilizes funds from the State Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG).
Progress on the new Emergency Management Office facility was also addressed. Legislators authorized a payment of $55,402.36 to LaBella Associates for design services related to the capital construction project.
Community Support
The meeting opened with several recognitions. Legislator Miller presented proclamations declaring August as Child Support Awareness Month and celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Job Corps. Representatives from Job Corps, including Operations Director John Thomas, were on hand to accept the honor.
The legislature also approved a request from the Department of Social Services to hang a banner promoting Child Support Awareness Month from August 1-14.
In other business, the county accepted a $500 donation from a community member to assist the Sheriff’s Office, approved a $1,000 lifetime membership for Project Lifesaver—a program designed to help locate individuals who tend to wander—and gave the green light for the annual 9/11 Memorial Service at Courthouse Square.
The meeting concluded with Vice Chairman Eick noting the completion of renovations to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, commending the Buildings and Grounds department for their work.
Coverage of the Orleans County Legislature meeting on 2024-07-30,
Village of Albion, NY.
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