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Public Safety Committee approves personnel reclassification, grants and CARES Up reappropriation as acting DA warns of coverage gaps
Summary
The committee approved a confidential secretary reclassification, accepted an ILS contract for public defenders, and reappropriated CARES Up funds for 2026. Acting District Attorney Peter Degman warned that trial coverage requires two full-time lawyers and described current staffing as a public safety concern.
At its May 6 meeting, the Allegany County Public Safety Committee approved multiple personnel and budget actions and heard a warning from the acting district attorney about courtroom coverage.
Acting District Attorney Peter Degman told the committee that modern discovery and case volume often require two full-time attorneys on trials and that the office's current staffing leaves some court calendars uncovered. "It is a public safety crisis," Degman said, urging a follow-up meeting with committee leadership and the county administrator to discuss hiring and coverage options.
The committee approved a motion to eliminate one position and reclassify an existing employee into a confidential secretary role; members confirmed the position would be funded from existing, unfilled budget lines. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Public Defender J.R. Santana Carter asked for formal approval of an ILS contract that covers supplies and attorney operations at the jail for a CAP program; the committee approved the contract so the office can begin claiming grant funds. Later in the meeting the panel also approved a reappropriation of CARES Up grant balances for the 2026 budget after an accountant identified housekeeping needs across multiple lines.
Sheriff Scott Ciserella provided informational updates during the meeting: he announced an academy graduation on May 20 and an awards ceremony on May 15, said his office supported probation on a recent firearms case, and told members the county's wellness program was accepted into the New York State DCJS knowledge bank as a model program. He also said the county experienced problems using the CodeRED alert platform during the storm response and that staff are reviewing alternatives.
All motions described above were adopted by voice vote; the committee set no additional conditions and asked staff to follow up on staffing proposals and budget housekeeping matters.
