ALBION — Technology upgrades and staffing levels took center stage at the Orleans County Legislature’s latest meeting, as lawmakers moved to modernize the Sheriff’s Office and backfill critical public safety roles. During the session on May 28, Chairman Lynne Johnson and legislators present in the Chambers—Draper, Eick, Fitzak, Miller, and Morgan—unanimously approved a slate of resolutions aimed at improving emergency services infrastructure. Legislator Allport was absent. Public Safety and Technology In an effort to modernize how the Sheriff’s Office interacts with the public, the legislature authorized the purchase of a dedicated mobile app and website. The resolution, moved by Legislator Draper and seconded by Legislator Fitzak, allocates $31,780 to provider OCV, LLC. The purchase will be funded through a combination of Special Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETPP) grants and the Sheriff’s contracted services budget. The app is expected to streamline communication between the department and Orleans County residents. The legislature also approved the sale of outdated equipment to another local municipality. The Sheriff’s Office recently transitioned from .45 caliber handguns to 9mm, leaving four Glock Model 21 pistols surplus. The legislature authorized the sale of these firearms to the Medina Police Department for $310 each, totaling $1,240. That revenue will be returned to the Sheriff’s budget for the purchase of other equipment. Staffing and Retention The Sheriff’s Office is currently navigating several resignations, prompting the legislature to authorize the creation and immediate filling of several positions. Due to a resignation in the Marine Division, a vacant part-time Marine Deputy Sheriff position will be filled. The rate of pay will depend on certification status, set between $17.86 and $21.32 per hour. In the Alternatives to Incarceration Division, a Work Experience Crew Leader position will be filled at $21.00 per hour. The legislature also moved to fill a full-time Correction Officer position in the jail at Grade 5 of the OCSEA salary schedule. Perhaps most critical for public safety response was the decision to create a new part-time Public Safety Dispatcher position in the Communications Division. Set at a pay rate of $20.82 per hour, the new role was created alongside authorization to fill it immediately, effective June 5. The move suggests an effort to bolster the county’s 911 and emergency dispatch capabilities. Emergency Management and Grants The legislature accepted a five-year agreement extension with the University of Rochester, acting as a regional training center for the NYS Department of Health. The extension, approved unanimously, will keep the training agreement active until June 30, 2027. On the financial front, Emergency Management Director Kevin Holland received authorization to apply for the 2024 Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula Based Grant (SICG FY24). This performance period grant, if secured, will run from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, and is intended to maintain Land Mobile Radio systems and support interoperability between first responders. Furthermore, the legislature authorized the expenditure of $50,000 in existing SICG FY21 grant funds. These funds will be used to purchase radios and accessories from L3 Harris Technologies for the Department of Public Works, Probation, and the County Task Force. The county is also looking to bolster its emergency medical services (EMS). Legislators authorized the application for and acceptance of an EMS Support Grant from the NYS Department of Health. This funding targets programs that increase EMS sustainability at the county level and supplements existing models. Financial Health and Recognitions While the grant news was positive, County Treasurer Kimberly DeFrank provided a cautious update on the county’s general finances. While the cash flow report remains healthy, sales tax collections are currently down 6.2% compared to projections. “That equates to a little over $500,000.00,” DeFrank told the legislature. The county is preparing for its tax foreclosure auction, which is on track for July 30, 2024, having secured the necessary judgment. Before adjourning, the legislature took time to honor retiring public servants. Legislator Miller presented proclamations declaring April as Mental Health Awareness Month and June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, accepted by Mental Health Director Danielle Figura and others. Legislator Fitzak recognized Dr. Clark Godshall upon his retirement from Niagara/Orleans BOCES after 35 years. Godshall praised the county’s jail program and staff, noting it had recently received another national award. The Sheriff’s Office also saw the departure of two longtime veterans. Legislator Draper and Sheriff Bourke recognized Retired Lt. Lawrence Manning and Deputy Bill Larkin. Larkin, who started in 1976, humorously recalled being told he wouldn't last long in the department. “Here I am 48 years later,” Larkin said. The meeting adjourned following the adoption of all resolutions.