Chair outlines possible charter/code changes to activate legislative counsel positions in 2026 budget

Chairman Birmingham raised Item #8(b) to flag that the 2026 Legislative Budget includes positions for Legislative Counsel for the majority and the minority and to propose a mechanism to make those positions operational on Jan. 1, 2026. He said implementing the roles may require changes to the Putnam County Charter and/or Code and offered to work with Senior Deputy County Attorney Heather Abissi to identify where adjustments would be needed.

Birmingham described the item as a heads-up to fellow legislators so the necessary legal and administrative steps can be prepared during the budget cycle. No specific charter language or ordinance text was offered at the meeting; staff and counsel follow-up was identified as the path to formalize any amendments.