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Sheriff: Argyle and Hartford SRO contracts approved; county authorizes village policing contracts and waives purchasing rules for social-worker pilot
Summary
The committee approved SRO contracts for Argyle and Hartford Central Schools and authorized Chair to sign police‑protection contracts with Fort Edward and Whitehall; members also approved a waiver allowing the Sheriff’s Office to use Mental Health grant funds for a contracted social worker to support domestic‑violence and crisis response.
Sheriff Jeff Murphy told the Public Safety Committee the county has signed school resource officer (SRO) agreements with Argyle and Hartford Central schools and the committee approved the SRO contracts (motion moved by Mr. O’Brien, seconded by Mr. Hahn). Murphy said village policing contracts with Fort Edward and Whitehall were also signed and the committee authorized the Chair to execute those agreements.
Murphy noted the Fort Edward contract includes a roughly $60,000 reduction (to about $322,000–$323,000) that will reduce funded patrols from four deputies to three beginning Jan. 1, 2027. He said smaller village departments across the county are struggling with coverage, especially at night, and the changes reflect that operational pressure.
The committee approved a waiver from the purchasing policy allowing the Sheriff’s Office to use $175,000 in Mental Health funding (spread over three years) to contract with licensed social worker Rebecca Evansky for psychosocial assessments, resource coordination and individual/group therapeutic support. Murphy said the social‑worker service will operate out of the Sheriff’s Office and help address domestic‑violence and crisis follow-up. "Calls for service are through the roof," Murphy said, explaining demand for crisis support.
Treasurer Al Nolette advised the Sheriff to consult the Personnel Director about contractor versus employee classification to avoid IRS issues; the motion was moved by Mr. O’Brien, seconded by Mr. Hahn, and recorded as adopted in the minutes.
Murphy also raised a timing issue with the Eden Center contract — he proposed a six‑month extension (July 1–Dec. 31, 2026) and asked that the County Attorney review the extension. The committee moved the Eden Center contract to the Finance Committee to allow legal review and timing coordination.
Why it matters: The SRO and village policing agreements formalize local public‑safety coverage for schools and villages; the social‑worker pilot channels Mental Health funding toward on‑scene and follow‑up behavioral‑health support but requires careful HR and procurement checks to ensure compliance.
