Legislature Confirms Interim County Manager, Continues Clerk and Auditor

The Schenectady County Legislature approved a package of organizational resolutions during its Jan. 1, 2026 meeting, including the continuation of Clerk Jeffrey T. Hall and Auditor Julie B. McDonald and the appointment of Robert Lawton as interim county manager. All of the listed resolutions passed on roll-call votes recorded as 14 aye, 1 absent.

Resolution 1-26 continued Jeffrey T. Hall in the clerk's post; legislators praised the clerk and staff for supporting the legislative engine. The clerk called the roll and the body recorded 14 aye votes with one absence before declaring the resolution passed.

Resolution 2-26 appointed Robert Lawton as interim Schenectady County manager by roll call. After the vote, Manager Lawton addressed the legislature and thanked members for their confidence. Lawton said he would "work hard every day to earn your confidence again and again" and pledged to visit with elected and appointed colleagues as he assumes the interim role.

Resolution 3-26 continued Julie B. McDonald as county auditor; the measure passed by roll call with the same 14-0 tally and one absence. The body also approved a resolution designating the official county newspaper and confirmed appointments of chaplains at the Glendale Nursing Facility by the same voting margin.

Each of these organizational items passed without recorded dissent and will take effect immediately. The interim manager's remarks noted an intention to collaborate with county staff and elected leaders as plans advance; the resolutions themselves were procedural, extending or confirming existing appointments and designations.