Saratoga County Board approves series of resolutions; converts coroner contractors to per‑diem county employees

Saratoga County supervisors on Jan. 21 approved a package of resolutions covering contracts, appointments and other administrative matters, and voted to convert deputy coroners and morgue assistants from independent contractors to per‑diem county employees.

The board adopted the bulk of the resolutions by roll call early in the meeting and later took separate votes on two contract amendments after an executive‑session discussion. The most detailed public discussion focused on Resolution 31, which establishes five per‑diem deputy coroner positions and three per‑diem morgue assistant positions and amends the 2025 county budget to reflect the change.

Why it matters: converting the coroner staff from contractor status to per‑diem employees changes how those workers are paid, insured and processed by county payroll and personnel systems. County officials said the change addresses coverage gaps the county and those workers faced while they were classified as independent contractors.

Discussion and vote on coroner positions County Administrator Bulger told supervisors the change responds to a recent incident that revealed a coverage gap: "they are not covered because they're contractors. They are not covered by any liability or workers' comp insurance. And that's a liability not only for them, but also for the county, quite honestly." He said the resolution does not change pay rates but converts the classification so the county can provide payroll processing and tax withholding.

Resolution 31 states the deputy coroners will be paid $25 per event (defined in the resolution as any incident requiring the physical presence and professional services of a deputy coroner), morgue assistants will be paid $150 per event (defined as a complete autopsy procedure requiring the morgue assistant's physical presence), and both classifications will be paid $25 per hour for any mandatory county training. The resolution instructs county administrators to implement the change and amends the 2025 county budget to increase coroner office expenses and reduce fund balance.

The board voted to add Resolution 31 to the agenda, discussed it, and approved it by roll call; no supervisor recorded a negative vote during the recorded roll call on the item.

Other business and votes at a glance - Resolution 21: Amends an agreement with Prime Care Medical of New York Inc. to include additional nursing coverage at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. Budget effect: decrease fund balance by $14,349.82. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 22: Authorizes agreement with BPI Mechanical Services Inc. for work (budgeted in department). Outcome: approved. - Resolution 23: Extends a temporary part‑time position within the county attorney's office. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 24: Authorizes intermunicipal agreements with the towns of Clifton Park, Corinth and Moreau and the city of Saratoga Springs for recyclable collection management. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 25: Authorizes an MOU with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for distribution of flood mitigation equipment. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 26: Adopts a local law (introductory number 5, print number 1 of 2024) amending the 2025 Saratoga County compensation schedule to provide salary/COLA increases for certain county officials. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 27: Appoints a commissioner of mental health and addiction services. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 28: Appoints a county auditor. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 29: Amends an agreement with Lipps Mathias LLP for professional legal services and amends the 2025 county budget to authorize related expenses and decrease fund balance by $100,000. This item was requested for a separate vote and was later voted on. Outcome: approved. - Resolution 30: Amends an agreement with Grama Segala LLP for professional legal services and amends the 2025 county budget to authorize related expenses and decrease fund balance by $100,000. This item was requested for a separate vote and was later voted on. Outcome: approved.

The board recessed into executive session for a discussion described as "proposed, pending or current litigation;" County Administrator Bulger and the County Attorney remained in the executive session. Supervisors returned to regular session and recorded that no action was taken during executive session; the two legal services amendments (Resolutions 29 and 30) were then voted on together and approved.

Public comment One member of the public, Zachary Brand of Ballston Spa, spoke during public input on concerns about national political rhetoric and democratic norms. His remarks were part of the public comment period and did not lead to board action.

Ending Supervisors closed the meeting after brief announcements and a recognition of two employees. The board scheduled no further immediate action in open session related to the coroner staffing change; the resolution takes effect immediately per its language and directs county staff to implement the personnel and budget changes.