Franklin County Legislature unanimously approves grants, personnel changes and broadband contract amendments

The Franklin County Legislature met on April 2, 2026, and unanimously approved a series of resolutions that accept grant dollars, amend the 2026 budget, create county positions, and authorize contract amendments for broadband projects.

Chairman Greg Janisewski called the session to order at 11:30 a.m., and Clerk Heather Marlow confirmed all members and districts were present. After approving the March 19, 2026 minutes, the Legislature accepted correspondence that included the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 2025 annual report.

The Legislature authorized the Office For the Aging to accept $5,000 from the Franklin County Economic Development and Tourism Destination Management Grant Program to fund adult recreation events and amended the 2026 budget to record the grant revenue and related expense. The board also accepted $14,005 in Transportation Initiative Program funds and authorized a corresponding 2026 budget amendment to support eligible individuals’ transportation needs. Separately, the Legislature approved a $15,234.22 budget amendment to allocate additional Shelter Arrears Eviction Forestallment (SAEF) program funds for Social Services.

On economic development, the Legislature authorized the County Manager and the Director, Office of Economic Development, to enter contracts and pay small-business grant awards to named local entities (including Adirondack Ski Touring Council d.b.a. Barkeater Trails Alliance, Town of Chateaugay, Tupper Lake History Museum, Heartwood Studios, and Burke Family Farm) for amounts specified in the resolution, contingent on County Attorney review and required documentation.

The Legislature approved personnel actions requested by county offices. At the District Attorney’s request, it created a non-competitive Case Manager (Legal) (HELP Program) position (Grade 10, base salary $52,153) to serve as a liaison between attorneys and crime victims and to gather documentation for discovery compliance under Criminal Procedure Law 245; it also created a Legal Secretary position (Competitive Class, Grade 7, base salary $44,799) to maintain records and input data into the Prosecutors Case Management System. The County Manager was authorized to create a full-time Deputy County Manager position (Management D, Exempt Class) with a salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 to assist with workload and transition planning; the manager indicated the position will be funded from her existing budget.

On broadband infrastructure, the Legislature authorized the County Manager, upon County Attorney review, to approve change orders with The Research Companies (TRC) for additional "make ready" work not to exceed $48,919.50 for MIP I and $18,543.00 for MIP III; the resolution noted these expenditures are reimbursable under the grant. The Legislature also authorized an amendment to the county’s contract with Airosmith to cover increased survey costs related to DOT/Rail permitting along Route 95 in Bombay — including the need for pole replacement and underground work — up to $200,624.13; those expenditures were likewise noted as reimbursable under the grant.

All motions recorded in the minutes were made and seconded by named legislators and each resolution was recorded as adopted by affirmative vote of those present. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn, with Chairman Janisewski adjourning the session at 11:36 a.m.

Votes at a glance

• Resolution No. 78 — Accept $5,000 Destination Management Grant for Office For the Aging and amend 2026 budget; mover: Legislator Lauzon; seconder: Legislator Dabiew; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 79 — Accept $14,005 Transportation Initiative Program funds and amend 2026 budget; mover: Legislator Lauzon; seconder: Legislator Dumas; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 80 — Amend 2026 budget to allocate $15,234.22 SAEF Program funds; mover: Legislator Lauzon; seconder: Legislator Dumas; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 81 — Authorize county to enter contracts and pay specified small-business grant awards (awards range $2,880–$5,000 to named recipients); mover: Legislator Sparks; seconder: Legislator Dumas; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 82 — Create & fill Case Manager (Legal) (HELP Program) Position, DA (Grade 10, base $52,153); mover: Legislator Lauzon; seconder: Legislator Sparks; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 83 — Create & fill Legal Secretary position, DA (Grade 7, base $44,799); mover: Legislator Sparks; seconder: Legislator Lauzon; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 84 — Create & fill Deputy County Manager position (Management D, $80,000–$90,000); mover: Legislator Lauzon; seconder: Legislator Lockwood; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 85 — Authorize TRC change orders for MIP I (≤ $48,919.50) and MIP III (≤ $18,543.00); mover: Legislator Dumas; seconder: Legislator Lauzon; outcome: adopted unanimously.

• Resolution No. 86 — Amend Airosmith contract for DOT/Rail permitting (Route 95, Bombay) up to $200,624.13; mover: Legislator Dumas; seconder: Legislator Lauzon; outcome: adopted unanimously.

What happens next

Several approvals authorized commitments that are conditional on additional administrative steps: contract amendments and change orders require County Attorney review and subsequent execution by the County Manager; the broadband expenditures were noted as reimbursable under grant awards. Personnel actions funded by grants will be re-evaluated if grant monies cease. The Legislature took no votes to postpone or table any item at the April 2 meeting.