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Franklin County Legislature approves transit and emergency communications grants, budget transfers and appointments; two oppose snowmobile account
Summary
At its Feb. 19 meeting the Franklin County Legislature approved multiple budget amendments and grant acceptances — including a $1.23 million Section 5311 vehicle grant and a $689,655 ESInet readiness grant — appointed members to local boards and approved a $375,382.16 contingency transfer; the snowmobile patrol account authorization passed 5-2.
The Franklin County Legislature on Feb. 19, 2026 approved a slate of routine resolutions that included accepting state grants for transportation and emergency communications, transferring contingency funds to close the 2025 books, and appointing members to county boards.
The meeting, called to order by Chairman Greg Janisewski, opened with acceptance of minutes and receipt of the Franklin County Clerk’s 2025 annual report. The Legislature recognized several employees with longevity awards, including Clint Soulia (County Jail, 25 years) and Robbin Roser (Veterans, 20 years).
Major funding actions included authorization to amend the 2026 budget to accept $1,230,046 related to the 2024/25 Section 5311 grant for vehicle purchases for county transit services. The Legislature also authorized the Chairman to sign a Federal/State agreement tied to an $85,600 New York State Department of Transportation Accelerated Transit Capital Grant to fund a pole barn and a bus shelter, with the County to seek 100% state reimbursement for that project.
Public safety and court-related actions included the District Attorney’s acceptance and appropriation of $44,550 in Traffic Diversion Program funds and approval of a separate $1,478.53 surplus funds payment to the DA’s office from a property-sale lien. The DA’s office moved to distribute $22,725 in Traffic Diversion funds to multiple local justice courts as specified in the resolution.
The Legislature approved a $375,382.16 transfer from the 2025 contingency account to various lines to close out the county’s 2025 books. It also accepted FEMA-related reimbursements for Tropical Storm Debby culvert projects, authorizing recognition of 12.5% of project costs for specified culvert capital projects.
In emergency communications, the Legislature accepted a $689,655 grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security for the ESInet Readiness Grant Program and appropriated $659,415 for equipment and $30,240 for consultant services to prepare county emergency services for the IP-based ESInet network.
Appointments approved included Jacques Demars to the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District Board to fill an expired term through Dec. 31, 2028, and the reappointments of Jean Austin, Sue Ellen Tupia and Melissa Dufrane-Hellijas to three-year terms on the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board.
A notable divided vote occurred on a Public Safety Committee item to establish account lines and accept funds for a sheriff’s snowmobile patrol program. The resolution authorized small account increases (totaling $700) and noted up to 70% reimbursement from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the motion passed 5-2, with Legislator Dabiew and Chairman Greg Janisewski recorded as voting no.
Most other resolutions — including auctioning county surplus items, authorizing payment of late New York State Civil Service Testing Division invoices from current funds when necessary, and various routine appointments and budget amendments — were adopted unanimously.
The Legislature adjourned at 11:51 A.M.
