Allegany County Board approves grants, temporary positions and purchases; narcotics-enforcement grant passes 13–2

The Allegany County Board of Legislators approved a package of resolutions on June 10 that included grant applications, temporary hires, donations, and contracts across county departments.

Highlights of the meeting’s votes included approval to set a public hearing on a proposed local law establishing pistol‑permit fees (Intro 245‑26); approval of three county brand identities for use in marketing and economic development (Intro 246‑26); and creation of temporary full‑time office aide positions in both the County Administrator’s Office and the Office of Economic Development (Intro 247‑26 and Intro 248‑26), each approved on roll call by recorded majorities.

Several grant applications and appropriations were approved: acceptance of a New York State Department of Health Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection grant (Intro 249‑26); acceptance and appropriation of Alzheimer’s Association grant funds for the Office for the Aging (Intro 253‑26); and acceptance of a New York State Department of Education grant (Intro 267‑26) after the board voted to consider the non‑prefiled item from the floor. The board also approved budget modifications related to juvenile (‘Raise the Age’) services and expanded in‑home services for seniors.

A Bureau of Justice Assistance Justice Reinvestment Initiative grant to establish a Narcotics Enforcement and Interdiction Unit for the Sheriff’s Office (Intro 250‑26) passed by roll call with 13 yes votes and two no votes (Mr. Harris and Mr. Healey recorded as voting no). A separate, related grant to establish a Traffic Enforcement and Highway Safety Unit (Intro 251‑26) was also approved.

The board approved an agreement with Ardent Solutions Inc. for consulting and payroll services for the Child Advocacy Center (Intro 262‑26) after discussion; the roll call shows a final tally recorded as 14 yes and 1 no (Mr. Ricky voted no while seeking clarity on county contributions). Other routine items approved included insurance reimbursements for vehicle repair, cooperative agreements between the Department of Social Services and the County Attorney’s Office, and a purchase agreement with Flagpoles Etc. for a 100‑ft American flag for the county government complex.

Audit totals presented by the clerk showed a general‑fund total of $1,668,310.69 and a grand total of $5,038,902.28; the audit was approved on roll call. Blocked sets of resolutions (Intro 254–256; Intro 258–259) covering various public‑health and Office for the Aging donations were carried and approved by roll call.

Votes at a glance (selected): - Intro 245‑26 (pistol permit fees public hearing): approved (voice vote). - Intro 247‑26 (temp office aide, County Administrator’s Office): approved (roll call 15‑0). - Intro 248‑26 (temp office aide, Economic Development): approved (roll call 15‑0). - Intro 250‑26 (Narcotics Enforcement Unit grant): approved (roll call 13‑2; no votes: Mr. Harris, Mr. Healey). - Intro 262‑26 (Ardent Solutions agreement): approved (roll call 14‑1; no vote: Mr. Ricky).

What happens next: Resolutions that require execution will be authorized for signature by the chairman as stated in the motions; several grants and agreements will proceed through the respective departments’ implementation steps.