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Clinton County Legislature approves series of resolutions; deputy sheriff position created, Champlain tax write‑off amended and passed
Summary
The Legislature approved a slate of resolutions on April 11, 2018 including a contract for an ATM, out‑of‑state travel funded by a grant, and creation of a permanent deputy sheriff position (Resolution #314). Resolution #315 (Town of Champlain tax write‑off) was amended on the floor and passed after a roll‑call on the amendment.
The Clinton County Legislature on April 11 approved a series of resolutions on the consent calendar and during general business, including the creation of a permanent full‑time Deputy Sheriff position and an amended tax write‑off for property in the Town of Champlain.
Key votes and actions recorded in the minutes include acceptance of the March 28, 2018 minutes (motion by Legislator Robert Hall, seconded by Legislator Pete Keenan; carried 10‑0‑0) and adoption of Resolution #261 authorizing a contract with Cumberland Bay Money Machines for an ATM lease (carried 10‑0‑0). Several blocks of resolutions (#262–#294 and #298–#309) were approved with no discussion noted in the public minutes.
Resolution #295 authorized out‑of‑state travel for the Sheriff's Department; County Administrator Michael Zurlo said the travel costs are paid through the STOP‑DWI grant rather than county‑levied dollars. Resolution #297, awarding a contract to Rommel Fence, was adopted after Zurlo explained the County seeks reimbursement from the contractor’s insurer for damage to a jail delivery gate.
After a motion to waive Rule 13.2 carried 10‑0‑0, Resolution #314 — approving the creation of a permanent, full‑time Deputy Sheriff position — was adopted. The meeting record shows Legislator Mark Dame voted no on Resolution #314; the final tally is recorded as Carried (9‑0‑1).
Resolution #315, authorizing a write‑off and chargeback for taxes in the Town of Champlain, was amended on the floor to add a Whereas clause committing Clinton County to work with local municipalities in developing future policy. The amendment to add the clause passed on a full roll call vote (9‑1‑0) with Legislator Christopher Rosenquest recording the lone negative vote on the amendment; the amended resolution then carried 10‑0‑0. Rosenquest later said he justified his yes vote on the amended resolution because of the emergency nature of removing the property from foreclosure, while calling the additional language political.
Why it matters: The creation of a permanent deputy sheriff position has personnel and budgetary implications for county public safety staffing and pay/benefits; the Champlain tax write‑off affects the county’s relationship with local municipalities and sets a precedent for how similar foreclosure‑related matters may be handled going forward.
What the minutes do not specify: The meeting record does not include detailed dollar figures for the STOP‑DWI travel authorization, the Rommel Fence invoice or the total fiscal impact of the new deputy sheriff position or the Champlain tax write‑off. County Administrator Zurlo said he would provide the travel cost figure to Legislator Dame.
The Legislature entered executive session at 7:53 p.m. to discuss litigation and reconvened and adjourned shortly after 8 p.m.
