Allegany County reschedules public hearing for proposed pistol-permit fee law after paperwork omission

County Attorney Allison Carrow requested the Board amend Resolution No. 241-26 to change the public hearing date for Local Law Intro. No. 3-2026, "A Local Law Establishing Fees for Pistol Permit Services Provided by the Sheriff’s Office," from June 24, 2026 to July 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the County Legislative Chambers, Room 221, County Office Building in Belmont. The board approved the request on a motion by Legislator R. Whitney, seconded by Legislator S. Havey; Legislator J. Ricci recorded opposition.

Carrow told the board the proposed local law had not actually been introduced to the Board at the June 10 meeting; under the Municipal Home Rule Law, a proposed local law must be introduced before a public hearing date can be set. The correction was presented as a scheduling and procedural fix to comply with state law rather than a substantive change to the proposal.

During follow-up questions, Legislator J. Ricci asked about the current pistol permit fee; Lieutenant Tim Hand stated the current fee is $103. Ricci also raised concerns about where revenue would be recorded, calling the proposal "an attack on the Second Amendment." County Treasurer Jenna Kelley responded that revenue from pistol permits "goes back to a revenue account in the Sheriff’s budget." Sheriff Cicirello added that the number of people with legally obtained pistol permits who participate in crimes is "generally a very low number."

The rescheduled public hearing is set for July 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in County Legislative Chambers, Room 221; the board handled the change via a voice vote after the procedural correction was explained.