Judicial & Public Safety committee approves grant-funded positions, hazardous materials grant and HVAC maintenance; split-unit bargaining measure sent to Ways &

The Judicial & Public Safety committee approved multiple grant and staffing measures and discussed operational issues at the county’s backup communications center and jail.

District attorney’s STRIVE grant — The committee approved acceptance of a STRIVE grant and the creation of a grant-funded assistant district attorney position, including fringe benefits and equipment. The DA told the committee the position is fully grant-funded and that training and travel costs required by the grant are included; the DA said the position will be contingent on continued grant funding and that an applicant has indicated willingness to start in August if the authorization is approved. The motion passed in committee; the transcript records one dissenting vote by Carrie.

Hazardous materials grant — The committee authorized acceptance of a New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services hazardous materials emergency preparedness grant (HMEP). Committee discussion said the grant typically supports the county’s HAZMAT team for training and equipment. The grant was described as roughly $15,000 with a $3,000 local cost share; the resolution passed.

911 backup center HVAC maintenance — Committee members approved a six-month maintenance contract for HVAC at the backup center so equipment remains temperature controlled while plans to relocate county equipment continue. Committee members debated which department’s budget should carry such maintenance costs and discussed moving maintenance contract oversight and corresponding funding to Buildings & Grounds in 2026. The motion to approve the maintenance contract passed; committee members recorded concerns about oversight while key positions are vacant.

Bargaining-unit split referred — A separate resolution to authorize three administrative sheriff positions to separate from the Sheriff Employees Association bargaining unit and form a separate unit was discussed at length, including an executive-session negotiation. Committee members voted to refer the proposal to Ways and Means so labor counsel could be present and the membership could be briefed in detail; the referral carried.

Jail and state DOC boarding — Committee members discussed ongoing challenges with New York State Department of Corrections not taking state-ready inmates, which leaves the county holding inmates eligible for transfer. By statute the county may receive $100 a day for inmates state DOC does not transfer after 10 days; committee members said the current number of such inmates is manageable but could grow if the state continues to delay intake. County officials also noted the facility is taking board-ins from other counties, generating some revenue.

Votes and notable outcomes

- JP 4 — Accept STRIVE grant and create grant-funded assistant district attorney position. Outcome: approved; one recorded no vote (Carrie). - JP 11 — Accept New York State HMEP/Hazardous Materials grant (roughly $15,000 with $3,000 local share). Outcome: approved. - JP 1 — Authorize six-month HVAC maintenance contract for the backup center (maintenance to remain until equipment is removed). Outcome: approved; committee discussion recorded concerns about oversight and budget responsibility. - JP 6 (split-unit for certain sheriff administrative positions) — Referred to Ways & Means for further review and labor counsel input.