Chairwoman Addonizio, committee pre-file resolution to fund six Special Patrol Officers using savings from vacant deputy posts

The Putnam County Personnel Committee on June 9 approved a pre-file resolution to transfer savings from five vacant deputy sheriff positions to fund six Special Patrol Officer (SPO) posts, committee members said.

Undersheriff James Menton told the committee that “there are five (5) vacant deputy positions and the Sheriff’s Department would like to utilize those savings toward Special Patrol Officers (SPOs).” He said two SPOs will be assigned to County Building 3 to provide members of the public an opportunity to speak directly with an officer. Menton said the six SPO positions will be budgeted in 2027.

Legislator Sayegh asked whether the six SPO positions are additional staff. Menton said they are not new positions but are funded from existing vacancy savings; “once those vacancies are filled, the budget will include an additional six (6) employees,” Sayegh observed and Menton confirmed. Chairwoman Addonizio asked whether an officer would be assigned to the Historic Courthouse for security during Full Legislative Meetings; Menton said he would prefer that a deputy be sent to Full Meetings instead.

Chairwoman Addonizio moved to pre-file the necessary resolution; Legislator Russo seconded the motion and the committee voted unanimously in favor. The committee did not record a separate roll-call vote by member name beyond the recorded unanimous approval. The pre-filed resolution will follow the county’s standard legislative process for formal introduction and vote.