Franklin County Legislature approves personnel, budget and infrastructure measures; broadband fee transfer passes 5–2

The Franklin County Legislature met July 2, 2026 in Malone and, in a series of largely unanimous votes, approved a package of personnel changes, budget amendments, contracts and grant acceptances that county officials said are needed to support operations and infrastructure repairs.

Chairman Greg Janisewski called the meeting to order at 11:30 A.M., Clerk Heather Marlow called the roll and confirmed all members were present. The Legislature first approved the minutes of its June 18 regular meeting.

The body approved Resolution No. 151, offered by the Public Safety Committee, creating a temporary Law Intern position in the District Attorney’s office. The resolution authorizes a competitive-class, management D temporary position (not to exceed one year) to allow attorneys admitted in other states to work while awaiting admission to the New York State Bar; the District Attorney will fund the position from her budget. The motion was moved by Legislator Lauzon and seconded by Legislator Sparks and was adopted unanimously.

The Legislature accepted a $2,500 grant from United Way of the Adirondack Region for the Office For the Aging to support annual holiday food baskets (Resolution No. 152). The Director, Office For the Aging, asked that the 2026 budget be amended to record the revenue and appropriations; Legislator Dumas moved acceptance, which passed unanimously.

Several highway-related matters were approved. The Legislature adopted a multi-line amendment reallocating CHIPS and capital funds to fund paving projects on county roads including CR5, CR38, CR23, CR60 and CR51 (Resolution No. 154). It also authorized establishment of a capital project and appropriation for repairs to the Alburg Road Bridge (BIN 3337260) to address damage from Tropical Storm Debby; county staff said the project is expected to be eligible for 75% FEMA reimbursement and 12.5% state reimbursement (Resolution No. 155). The body authorized purchase of a Crafco Supershot 250D crack sealing trailer for $103,772.40 on a Sourcewell contract, using CHIPS funds, contingent on confirmation of the county’s purchasing policy (Resolution No. 156). Maine Drilling and Blasting was authorized to perform drilling and blasting services to expand the Pigeon Road Pit for $48,286.80 after three bid attempts produced no bidders (Resolution No. 162).

The Legislature also handled several economic development and finance items. It authorized extending a contract with Lucky Strike Lanes and payment of up to $5,000 under a small business grant (Resolutions Nos. 153 and 158). The Finance Committee’s report on reversion of unredeemed lands (Schedule A) was accepted and the Clerk authorized to deliver quitclaim deeds upon receipt of specified amounts (Resolution No. 159).

Assigned Counsel reported two grant awards: $104,348 from the Department of Criminal Justice Services Aid to Defense – Supplemental (Resolution No. 160) and $47,611.95 from NYS Indigent Legal Services for the Fourth Upstate Quality Improvement and Caseload Reduction Grant (Resolution No. 161); both were accepted and appropriated as requested.

A transfer of $123,080 from the 2026 contingency account to cover a 1% commitment fee for an amendment to the MIP 3 Broadband grant (Resolution No. 163) was the meeting’s only contested vote. The motion passed with Legislators Lockwood and Sparks recorded as voting nay and the resolution adopted 5–2.

The Economic Development Committee recommended reappointing Terry Moore to the Franklin County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board through Dec. 31, 2029; the Legislature approved the appointment (Resolution No. 164). Legislator Lauzon moved to adjourn at 11:40 A.M.; Legislator Lockwood seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

Votes at a glance

• R-151 — Create Law Intern (Temporary), District Attorney: moved Lauzon; second Sparks; adopted unanimously. • R-152 — Accept United Way grant, Office For the Aging ($2,500): moved Dumas; second Lockwood; adopted unanimously. • R-153 / R-158 — Extend contract and payment to Lucky Strike Lanes (payment up to $5,000): moved Dumas; second Lauzon; adopted unanimously. • R-154 — CHIPS and capital budget amendments for CR paving projects: moved Sparks; second Dabiew; adopted unanimously. • R-155 — Establish capital project for Alburg Road Bridge (total increase $1,359,607.38; expected FEMA/state reimbursements): moved Dabiew; second Sparks; adopted unanimously. • R-156 — Purchase Crafco Supershot 250D ($103,772.40), amend CHIPS budget: moved Sparks; second Shoemaker; adopted unanimously. • R-160 — Accept DCJS Aid to Defense – Supplemental ($104,348): moved Lauzon; second Sparks; adopted unanimously. • R-161 — Accept NYS Indigent Legal Services grant ($47,611.95): moved Lockwood; second Lauzon; adopted unanimously. • R-162 — Contract with Maine Drilling and Blasting for Pigeon Road Pit ($48,286.80): moved Lauzon; second Dabiew; adopted unanimously. • R-163 — Transfer $123,080 from contingency for MIP 3 Broadband 1% commitment fee: moved Shoemaker; second Lauzon; adopted 5–2 (Lockwood, Sparks nay). • R-164 — Reappoint Terry Moore to Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board (term to Dec. 31, 2029): moved Dumas; second Lauzon; adopted unanimously.

Who spoke (as recorded in the minutes)

Chairman Greg Janisewski (called meeting to order). Clerk Heather Marlow (called roll, read minutes and correspondence). Legislators named in motions and seconds: Dabiew, Lockwood, Lauzon, Sparks, Dumas, Shoemaker. Department-level presenters (no individual names given in the minutes): District Attorney; Director, Office For the Aging; Highway Superintendent; Director, Assigned Counsel; Director, Office of Economic Development; Grant Coordinator; County Auditor; County Treasurer.

What happens next

A public hearing on a proposed local law to increase and set a salary range for the Office of the County Sheriff is scheduled for July 16, 2026 at 10:45 A.M. in the Legislature chambers. Other approved projects proceed to implementation per departmental and budgetary processes.

(Article based on official minutes of the Franklin County Legislature, July 2, 2026.)