Ogdensburg council to tap snow-removal trust to cover $25,000 police training shortfall

At a special meeting on April 11, 2025, the Borough of Ogdensburg council agreed to use the snow-removal/storm-recovery trust to cover a roughly $25,000 shortfall tied to extended police field training, officials said.

Mayor George P. Hutnick opened the meeting by citing the Open Public Meeting Act notice and identifying the 2025 municipal budget as the sole agenda item. Councilman Ciasullo asked borough CFO Mike Marceau to explain the shortfall and the options for covering it. Marceau said the borough was about $25,000 short and recommended either using fund balance (surplus) or the snow-removal trust, adding that either choice would not affect the tax levy this year.

Marceau and council members discussed fund-balance figures during the meeting. Marceau calculated that drawing $25,000 from the borough’s fund balance would leave it “around $432,000,” though numbers mentioned in the exchange varied during the discussion. Council members said they preferred a public meeting to an email exchange to resolve the issue.

Police Chief Gordon described why the additional funds were needed. With multiple retirements and new officers entering field training, he said extending one experienced officer’s assignment through Sept. 30 was the most economical compromise to avoid excessive overtime and to provide adequate on-the-road training. "You don’t learn in six months; the academy is preschool," the chief said, arguing that 90 days of field training is essential. He also acknowledged a communication lapse about the staffing change and said he accepted responsibility for the omission.

Several residents spoke during the public comment period. Vicki Schroder asked why the borough called a special meeting on short notice; other attendees, including retired officers, urged the council to fund the training to avoid future liability. Jeff Korger, who identified himself as a retired officer, said the training "can save you millions in law suits down the road." Another longtime officer, John Schanstra, warned that failure to train can lead to costly lawsuits.

After the public session, the council discussed the practical effects of using the snow-removal trust. Mayor Hutnick and Marceau said the borough has salt and sand stockpiles and thatdrawing from the storm-recovery trust would not leave the borough unable to clear streets; officials said the trust could be replenished in the next budget cycle. The council then agreed to use the snow-removal/storm-recovery trust to cover the $25,000 shortfall. Borough Attorney Robert McBriar said no formal council vote was required to proceed.

The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn and signatures from Borough Clerk Robin Hough and Mayor Hutnick. The council is scheduled to introduce the municipal budget at its next regular meeting.