Committee approves renewed agreement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks

The committee on Aug. 21 approved renewal of an agreement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks to support local youth mentoring. Liza, a county workforce staff member, said the county took over funding when a probation-department grant expired and that the requested payment “is just to help cover their staff that support this program.” She added the county reduced its contribution from $15,000 last year to $10,000 this year to be “more conservative with our spending.” Supervisor Stroud moved to approve the contract renewal; Supervisor Casido seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The renewal is intended to sustain mentor matches and stipends for participants; Liza said the county’s contribution helps cover program staff costs rather than direct participant payments. The committee did not discuss any changes to eligibility, specific performance measures or contract term beyond the renewal request. Committee members who asked procedural questions were told the line was included in the workforce budget. The committee moved on to subsequent agenda items after the vote.