Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Hamilton County taxes up 2.5%

 

Hamilton County adopted budget for 2023



By PETE KLEIN

Express News Staff

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 18, it adopted the following county budget for 2022.

The General Fund is showing appropriations of $15,877,328 less estimated revenues of $10,225,367. less appropriated cash surplus of $1,300,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $4,351,961.

The Highway Fund is divided into two sections, County Road and Machinery.

The County Road Fund shows appropriations of $6,375,017, less estimated revenues of $2,390,358, less appropriated cash surplus of $100,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $3,884,659.

The Machinery Fund shows appropriations of $2,117,500 less estimated revenues of $880,500. less appropriated cash surplus of $100,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $1,137,000.

Comparisons

Last year’s budget figures are shown in (parentheses).

Totals combining all funds

Appropriations - $24,369.845 ($23,072,568) up $1,297,277.

Estimated revenues - $13,496,225 ($12,480,026) up $1,016,199.

Plus deferred tax revenue – $35,000 ($35,000).

Plus allowance for uncollected taxes – $3,000 ($3,000).

Equals net tax levy – $10,911,620 ($10,630,542) up $281,078.

Less appropriated cash surplus – $1,500,000 ($1,450,000).

Equals amount to be raised before chargebacks - $9,411,620 ($9,180,542) – up $231,078, up 2.5%.

Amount to be raised after $164,000 ($156,983) estimated chargebacks equals $9,575,620 ($9,337,527) by taxes, up. $238,093, up 2.5%.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Record cold at South Pole

 


From ICECAP web page

Nov 21, 2022

South Pole Hits Record Cold November Temperatures



By Chris Morrison

Extreme cold records continue to tumble at the South Pole. Three recent days - November 16th, 17th and 18th - have recorded a daily record, with the 18th plunging to -45.2C, compared with -44.7C on the same day in 1987. The records follow the six-month winter of 2020-21, which was the coldest since records began in 1957. Inexplicably, all these facts and trends have escaped reporting in the mainstream media. The excuse might be that it is just weather, and temperatures have always moved up and down. But the excuse doesn’t seem to apply to the July 19th U.K. high of 40.3C at RAF Coningsby, recorded at the side of the runway used by after-burning Typhoon jets. This record high has barely been out of the Net Zero headlines ever since.

Supervisors approve Hamilton County Budget

 Supervisors November 18 2022



Supervisors approve Hamilton County Budget

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 18, it approved the county budget for 2023.

The amount to be raised by taxes makes for a total 2023 Budget of $9,651,620.

Details of the adopted Budget for the year 2023 will soon be made available. It is up by about $314,093 or up about 3.3%.

The board also passed the following resolutions.

PAY INVOICE FOR GOVERNMENT WEBSITE 

WHEREAS, Invoice No. 1 has been received from Catalog and Commerce Solutions, LLC for the new government website, and 

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 318-22 dated October 6, 2022 the Board created and funded the ARP Act accounts to cover the expenses of this project, be it 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Catalog and Commerce Solutions, LLC for Invoice No. 2346 in the amount of $5,980, from Account No. A1040.0411 ARP Act, Website. 

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT WITH CARRYOVER 

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton has adopted and has in existence a “Flexible Spending Account”, and a “Health Reimbursement Arrangement”, and  

WHEREAS, the “Hamilton County Flexible Spending Account and Hamilton County Health Reimbursement Arrangement” has been administered by PrimePay, of 5 Commerce Drive, Cromwell, CT, and 

WHEREAS there have been some issues with processing of claims for the County’s employees due to the compliance requirements that are required, and 

WHEREAS, due to regulations surrounding how Hamilton County will be providing a buyout to employees, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is prohibited and only a Flexible Spending Account can be offered to those employees, and 

WHEREAS, Lifetime Benefit Solutions, located at 333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, NY, has made a proposal to the Board to act as Administrator of the “Hamilton County Flexible Spending Account with Carryover”, for all employees, now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors does hereby determine that it is in the best interest of the County to terminate the relationship with PrimePay, of 5 Commerce Drive, Cromwell, CT, effective as of December 31, 2022, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the County of Hamilton will contract with Lifetime Benefit Solutions, at 333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, NY, to administer the “Hamilton County Flexible Spending Account with Carryover”, effective January 1, 2023, and be it further  

RESOLVED, that the County of Hamilton will pay an initial one-time setup fee of Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) and the sum of Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3.50) per participant, per month or a minimum monthly administration fee per plan of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) and an annual discrimination testing fee of Three Hundred Twenty-five dollars ($325.00) to Lifetime Benefits Solution for the services rendered by the Administrator to the County of Hamilton, and be it further  

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County 2023 Flexible Spending Account will have an annual carryover allowance which is up to the IRS limit, and be it further  

RESOLVED, that the carryover allowance limit for 2023 will be $610.00, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Lifetime Benefit Solutions to administer “Hamilton County’s Flexible Spending Account with Carryover”, which contract shall be subject to the approval of the Hamilton County Attorney, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the initial one-time setup fee of Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00), the annual discrimination testing fee of Three Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($325.00) and the administration charge of Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3.50) per participant per month or a minimum monthly administration fee per plan of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) shall be paid from Account No. A1430.410 Cafeteria Plan Admin. and the County Treasurer be so authorized, and Personnel Officer be notified. 

AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY SERVICES TO CONTRACT WITH LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PREVENTION INITIATIVE SERVICES – CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER SERVICES 

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools Clinical Social Worker and/or a Resource Officer services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for one day of each service per week, and 

WHEREAS, Long Lake Central School has agreed to contract for one (1) half day per week of Clinical Social Worker services at a cost of $5,000.00 per year for the July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 school year, be it 

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with Long Lake Central School for the Clinical Social Worker services for a prorated amount of $3,500.00 to be billed in monthly installments of $500.00 beginning December 1, 2022 and end June 30, 2023.


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

County begins work on budget

 Supervisors November 7 2022



County begins work on budget

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—The Hamilton County Board of Supervisor met on November 7 to start discussions on the 2023 budget. But before working on the budget, the board passed the following resolutions.

DEPOSITION OF EXCESS VEHICLE 

WHEREAS certain vehicles/equipment have become excess and no longer needed by certain County Agencies, and 

WHEREAS, the County Fleet Coordinator has recommended that the following vehicle be disposed from the County inventory: 

Year Make/Model VIN Plate# Dept FN 2010 Dodge Caravan 2D4RN4DE8AR208787 AB9090 C.S. 972 be it 

RESOLVED, the above vehicle be sold by auction online by Auctions International and funds from the mentioned auction shall be a revenue credit to Account No. A2665 Sale of Equipment, be it further 

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator see that proper inventory notes be recorded when the transactions are accomplished, and the Fleet Coordinator, Director of Fixed Assets, and the County Treasurer be so notified. 

AMENDMENT B FOR TIME & MATERIALS FOR STATE SNOW & ICE AGREEMENT 2021/2022 

WHEREAS, because of the severity of the winter during 2021/2022 the Hamilton County requests that the Municipal Snow & Ice Agreement estimated expenditure be revised to reflect the additional lane miles of state roads that were plowed/treated during the winter season, and 

WHEREAS all the terms and conditions of the original contract extension remain in effect except as follows: 

ADDITIONAL S&I OPERATIONS 

Original 21/22 Estimated Expenditure Final Snow & Ice Voucher Adjustment $959,506.59 $623,851.82 $322,603.76 

TOTAL CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS 

Final Snow & Ice Voucher Amount Paid for 21/22 Season Contract Adjustment $623,851.82 $924,867.68 $322,603.76 and 

WHEREAS, this agreement has been executed by the State, acting by and through the duly authorized representative of the Commissioner of Transportation and the Municipality, which has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer on the date and year first written in the original contract extension, be it 

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board be so authorized to sign Amendment B of the State Snow & Ice Agreement as stated above and the County Treasurer, the Clerk of the Board and Highway Superintendent be so notified. 


Saturday, November 5, 2022

County makes plans to override tax cap

 Supervisors November 3 2022



County makes plans to override tax cap

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 3 and passed a resolution authorizing a public hearing to consider proposed local law no. 13 of 2022 a local law overriding the tax levy limit for Hamilton County for 2023 and authorizing the adoption by Hamilton County of a budget for 2023 that will require a tax levy that is greater than the tax levy limit for the 2023 fiscal year.

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at the Supervisors’ Rooms in the Hamilton County Municipal Building on the 18th day of November, 2022, at 11:15 a.m., on the matter of the adoption of said proposed Local Law, “A LOCAL LAW OVERRIDING THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR HAMILTON COUNTY FOR 2023 AND AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION BY HAMILTON

COUNTY OF A BUDGET FOR 2023 THAT MAY REQUIRE A TAX LEVY THAT IS GREATER THAN THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR THE 2023 FISCAL YEAR”, and it be further RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors be, and she hereby is authorized and directed to give notice of such public hearing in the manner provided by law.

The intention of this local law is to comply with the requirements of General Municipal Law Section 3-c (5) prior to adopting the 2023 Hamilton County Budget. The dramatic economic changes precipitated by COVID, inflation, and workforce shortages have necessitated this increase.

Notwithstanding these circumstances the County will need to provide services in

2023, in addition to those mandated by the State, which are important to our citizens. After serious and sustained efforts to minimize the amount of the tax levy,

and to project the tax levy limit for Hamilton County for 2023, it is clear that a

responsible budget for 2023 will require a tax levy that will be greater than the tax

levy limit calculated pursuant to applicable State Law.

MORTGAGE TAX DISTRIBUTION

WHEREAS it appears from the reports of the County Clerk and the County Treasurer for the period April 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, that there remains for distribution of moneys received by taxation on Mortgages pursuant to the provision of Article Eleven, Section 261 of the Tax Law, the sum of $131,159.98, for the distribution among the Towns and Village of the County

of Hamilton, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton that the sum of $131,159.98 be and the same hereby is apportioned as follows: Arietta - $4,014.50; Benson - 2,066.00; Hope -$2,333.50; Indian Lake - $30,707.98; Inlet - $35,863; Lake Pleasant - $15,327.26; Long Lake $24,753.50; Morehouse - $1,124; Wells $11,941.50; Village of Speculator $3,028.74. and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to pay the respective sums so appropriated to the Supervisors of said Towns.

INVESTMENT POLICY UPDATE FOR THE COUNTY OF HAMILTON

WHEREAS, the Investment Policy for the County of Hamilton is to be renewed on an annual basis, along with a list of banks where monies are deposited, and

WHEREAS, the annual update was completed on January 6, 2022, and

WHEREAS, the County Treasurer is recommending an additional bank be added to the list prior to the annual update, be it

RESOLVED, that the following bank list be updated to include The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) with the maximum amounts as follows:

NBT: $15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million), Community Bank: $2,000,000.00 (Two Million), Key Bank: $5,000,000.00 (Five Million), JP Morgan: $10,000,000.00 (Ten Million), Bank of America: $5,000,000.00 (Five Million), Chemung Canal Trust Company: $3,000,000.00 (Three Million), T.D. Bank: $12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million), Bank of the Finger Lakes-Wayne Bank $2,000,000.00 (Two Million), Bank on Buffalo-Division of CNB Bank $2,000,000.00 (Two Million)

The Bank of New York Mellon, $3,000,000.00 (Three Million), be it further

RESOLVED, that the above listed amendment be adopted, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) ACT FUNDS

WHEREAS three invoices have been received from Tyler Technologies for the new financial/personnel software being implemented, and

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 288-21 dated November 10, 2021 the Board created the ARP Act accounts to cover the expenses of this implementation, be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to fund Account No. A1325.0412 – ARP Act Financial Software in the amount of $38,657.00 to be offset by funding Revenue Account No. A4089.0200 – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $38,657.00, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Tyler Technologies for Invoice No. 025-395849 in the amount of $2,860.00, Invoice No. 025-393217 in the amount of $32,222.00 and Invoice No. 025-397244 in the amount of $3,575.00 from Account No. A1325.0412 ARP Act, Financial Software.

ARP ACT FUNDS FOR

VIRTUAL MEETING EQUIPMENT

WHEREAS, the invoice has been received from My Techs, Inc. for the new virtual meeting equipment in the Lake Pleasant Conference Room, and

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 269-22 dated September 1, 2022 the Board created and funded the ARP Act accounts to cover the expenses of this project, be it RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay My Techs, Inc. for Invoice No. 2161 in the amount of $3,196.60, from Account No. A1040.0409 ARP Act, Virtual Meeting Equipment.

SHERIFF CAR EXPENSE

WHEREAS there is a shortage of funds in the Sheriff Car Expense Account No. A3110.0401, due to vehicle repairs, maintenance along with the increase in gasoline prices, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer $25,000.00 from the Unappropriated County General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. A3110.0401-Car Expense.

DHSES GRANT PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department has been awarded the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Grant Project PS21-1044-E00 in the amount of $170,317.00, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign said DHSES Grant, project PS21-1044-E00, and the Director of Emergency Management and Sheriff be so notified.

DHSES GRANT PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department has been awarded the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Grant Project SI21-1050-E00 in the amount of $1,126,497.00, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to create Account No. A3645.0427 DHSES SI21-1050-E00 and fund it at $1,126,497.00 to be totally offset by creating and funding Revenue Account No. A3389.0131 SI21-1050-E00 in the amount of $1,126,497.00 and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign said DHSES Grant, Project SI21-1050-E00 and the Director of Emergency Management and Sheriff be so notified.

CONTRACT WITH SPEECH THERAPIST – HONORA BICHE

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service contracts with individual providers of speech and language pathologies for several programs, and

WHEREAS, Honora Biche of 170 Chartier Road, Northville, NY 12134, is a duly licensed Speech and Language Pathologist by the NYS Department of Education, Office of Professions and wishes to contract with the Nursing Service, and

WHEREAS the term of this contract shall be from November 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 and compensated at a rate of $75.00 per visit, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into a contract with Honora Biche, SLP to provide speech therapy to the residents of Hamilton County, for the period November 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 at a rate of $75.00 per visit, upon approval of the County Attorney and the County 

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

WHEREAS, funding was budgeted in the PHEP fringe budget account, and

WHEREAS the PHEP Personal Service account was under budgeted, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to make the following transfer within the 2022 County budget: FROM: A4189.8510 PHEP Fringe $8,000.00 TO: A4189.1510 PHEP Personal Service $8,000.00

INCREASE EARLY INTERVENTION BUDGET

WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Health Law 2550, the New York State Department of Health is the lead agency responsible for the administration of the Early Intervention Program and that each Municipality is responsible for the local administration of the program, which includes accepting referrals of children potentially eligible for program services, assigning initial service coordinators, participating in Individual Family Service Plan (IFPS) meetings, ensuring that services contained in the IFSP are appropriately delivered and reimbursing providers for services not covered by Medicaid or commercial insurance according to rates set by the NYSDOH, and

WHEREAS, the NYSDOH has allotted $25,751.00 annually, for the period October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2026, and

WHEREAS only $2,000.00 was budgeted for Personal Service and $1,000.00 was

budgeted for Fringe in the 2022 County budget, and

WHEREAS, a new employee was hired and is training in the Early Intervention program, be it

RESOLVED, that the following appropriation accounts be increased: Account No. A4059.0101 Early Intervention Personal Services $ 5,000.00 Account No. A4059.0801 Early Intervention Fringe $ 2,500.00 to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A4451.0000 by $7,500.00, and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health, Agency # 12000, renewed Contract No. DOH01-C35458GG-3450000 with Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service to provide Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) Services, for the period of October 1, 2022–September 30, 2023, and

WHEREAS, the total grant contract is for Fifty-two Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($52,475), and

WHEREAS, only a portion of the grant was included in the 2022 County budget, and WHEREAS, a new employee was hired, and a current staff member has been training to replace Avis Warner as the Coordinator, be it

RESOLVED, that the following appropriation accounts be increased:

Account No. A4082.0101 WIC CPA $ 6,000.00; Account No. A4082.0102 WIC Program Support $ 2,200.00; Account No. A4082.0801 WIC Fringe $ 6,300.00

to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A4482.0000 by $14,500.00, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

AMEND CONTRACT WITH COMPREHENSIVE MEDICINE,

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton has approved the contract with Comprehensive Medicine, PLLC to provide tele-psychiatry to residents of Hamilton receiving mental health services from Hamilton County Community Services, and

WHEREAS the utilization of services will exceed the cap of $46,500.00 specified in the current contract, and

WHEREAS services projected to be provided by Comprehensive Medicine, PLLC will require additional funding through the end of the current year, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby approves amending the County’s 2022 contract with Comprehensive Medicine, PLLC from a $46,500.00 cap to a $63,150.00 cap and the Treasurer be so advised.

WELLS CENTRAL SCHOOL PREVENTION INITIATIVE SERVICES

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and

Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools Clinical Social Worker and/or a Resource Officer services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for one day of each service per week, and

WHEREAS, Wells Central School has agreed to contract for one (1) day per week of Clinical Social Worker services at a cost of $10,000.00 per year for the July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 school year, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with Wells Central School for Clinical Social Worker services for a prorated amount of $7,500.00 to be billed $500.00 for November 14, 2022 through November 30, 2022 and monthly installments of $1,000.00 beginning December 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023.

TOURIST PROMOTION

WHEREAS the New York State Department of Economic Development is empowered to approve application from local governments for matching funds to be used for promoting tourism therein, and

WHEREAS, the President of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has

recommended that an application for such funds be submitted to the Department of Economic Development for matching funds up to the amount appropriated therefore within the New York State budget, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that, Michelle Clement of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to submit an application to Kelly Rabideau-Baquerizo, Tourism Matching Funds Director, Empire State Development Division of Tourism, Albany, New

York 12245, for matching funds in an amount up to One Hundred Seventy-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($172,500.00) to be used for the promotion of tourism in Hamilton County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is hereby named Project Director in relation thereto, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby certifies to the New York State Department of Economic Development that both the County of Hamilton and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism have been in existence for more than three (3) years, and be it further

RESOLVED, that in order to comply with Commerce Law, Article 5-A (New York State Tourism Promotion Act) that the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism be the duly designated tourist promotion agency for the County of Hamilton for the fiscal year of 2022/2023, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

DIRECTORS OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

WHEREAS the Supervisors’ Representatives to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District terminate December 31, 2022, and

WHEREAS it is necessary to appoint two (2) Supervisors as representatives to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors wishes to appoint Betsy Bain and Nick Mauro as Supervisors’ Representatives for a term of one-year commencing January 1, 2023 terminating December 31, 2023, be it

RESOLVED, that Betsy Bain and Nick Mauro be appointed as Supervisors’

Representatives for a term of one-year commencing January 1, 2023 and terminating December 31, 2023.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS - REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES

WHEREAS, with approval of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Director of Real Property Tax Services attended the 2022 conference of the NYS Association of County Directors of Real Property Tax Services, and the increased travel costs exceeded the 2022 budgeted amount and therefore resulted in a shortage of funds in Account No. A1355.0402 Tax Travel, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make the following transfer to cover said 2022 coverage: FROM: Account No. A1355.0403 Tax Supplies Materials $683.78 TO: Account No. A1355.0402 Tax Travel $683.78

LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LISA BURGESS

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors wishes to renew its lease with Lisa Burgess, and WHEREAS, this Board has determined it to be in the best interest of the County to extend this relationship, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a one-year lease with Lisa Burgess for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, with the approval of the County Attorney, and be it also

RESOLVED, that the monthly rent is hereby set at $450.00 per month for 2023.

PROVIDER AGREEMENT FOR 2023 HEALTH INSURANCE

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has been notified that Nathan Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Network of Practices will no longer accept Excellus BlueCross BlueShield effective January 1, 2023, and

WHEREAS, the Internal Management Committee has reviewed other insurance carrier proposals for 2023 due to the issue with Nathan Littauer, and

WHEREAS Burnham Benefit Advisors is requesting that they be authorized to submit a group application to MVP for 2023 health insurance enrollment by November 7th, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, this change is contingent upon no agreement being met between Excellus and Nathan Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Network of Practices with continued acceptance of Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield insurance effective January 1, 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorize Burnham Benefit Advisors to submit a group application to MVP for 2023 health insurance enrollment and the County Treasurer be so authorized and Personnel Officer be notified.

FLEXIBLE FUND FOR FAMILY SERVICES PAYMENT

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Department of Social Services needs to pay NYS Commissioner of Taxation & Finance for the amount of $171,418.00, and

WHEREAS these funds are a repayment due to an overpayment made to Hamilton County for Flexible Fund for Family Services 2021-2022, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Department of Social Services Account No. A4615, Federal Aid, Flex Spend Fund- Family, be debited in the amount of One Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Four Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($171,418.00) to be paid to NYS Commissioner of Taxation & Finance and sent to: NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Bureau of Financial Services

Attn: Mr. Michael Cody, Chief Accountant 40 North Pearl Street, Floor 14C

Albany, NY 12243-0001, and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

CONTRACT FOR WELFARE FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS

WHEREAS the Commissioner of Social Services of the County of Hamilton (hereinafter the “Commissioner”) is charged with the responsibility for the administration of all health and welfare services provided in Hamilton County, at public expense pursuant to the Statewide Managed Care Program, Chapter 165 of the Laws of 1991, directly or through an authorized agent, and

WHEREAS it is economically and organizationally feasible for the HCDSS to contract with the Provider for the provision of Supportive Investigative Services for the Social Services Programs, and

WHEREAS the HCDSS and Provider are desirous of further specifying their mutual obligations and responsibilities owed under this Agreement, and

WHEREAS the provider has secured liability insurance as part of the contract and the HCDSS is desirous of the provider to be reimbursed said expense to retain contract, be it

RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and the

Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, be and hereby are, authorized to enter into a contract between the Hamilton County Department of Social Services and the Welfare Fraud investigator to provide supportive investigative services for the Social Services Department.

PURCHASE AND INSTALL OF KEYLESS SECURITY SYSTEM

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has met with the Public Works committee to discuss installing a keyless security system for the Sheriff’s Office entryways and entryway to the courthouse complexes, and

WHEREAS the DPW Superintendent received a written quote for the full purchase and installation from LINSTAR, Inc. under New York State Contract No. PT68825 in the amount of $18,513.00 which includes a one year maintenance agreement, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent recommends the security system be purchased and installed, be it

RESOLVED, the DPW Superintendent is authorized to move forward with the purchase and installation of the keyless door security system as described hereon at a cost of $18,513.00 from LINSTAR, Inc., 430 Lawrence Bell Drive, Buffalo, NY 14221 to be charged to Account No. A1620.413 IL & LP Building Projects and the County Treasurer, DPW Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so advised.

ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT FOR SHERIFF VEHICLE - 2023

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 289-22 authorizes the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango for the Sheriff’s Office, and

WHEREAS the said vehicle needs to have ancillary equipment installed such as but not limited to two way radios, emergency lights, sirens, etc., and

WHEREAS, the County has received a written quote for the installation of the ancillary equipment from JPJ Electronics, 1 W. Whitesboro St., Yorkville, NY in the amount of $15,755.73, and

WHEREAS, because of the supply chain issues the Vendor needs to order parts and radios now so the ancillary parts are ready in 2023 when the vehicle is delivered, and

WHEREAS, because of the electronics that new vehicles have from the factory such as air bag components and computer controlled factory equipment the Superintendent recommends waiving the County’s procurement for three written quotes, and recommends that JPJ Electronics complete the installation of the ancillary equipment, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Fleet Coordinator is authorized to sign a Purchase Order for the Ancillary Equipment from JPJ Electronics installed at a cost of $15,428.73 for the budget year 2023 and the Clerk of the Board, County Sheriff and Fleet Coordinator be so notified.

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR LIVE FLOOR TRAILER - DPW

WHEREAS Resolution No. 317-22 authorizes the purchase of one (1) 2023 New Trout River Live Bottom Trailer for use by DPW, and

WHEREAS the said trailer has been picked up and inspected by the Superintendent who now recommends payment of the trailer, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent picked the trailer up at the dealership to confirm it met specification and all functions of the trailer worked coupled to the County owned road tractor and the delivery fee of $600.00 was credited to the invoice, be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment to Tracey Road equipment, 6803 Manlius Center Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057 in the amount of $114,963.00 and the funds to be taken out of Account No. A8189.0401 Solid Waste Reserve for the DPW and the County Highway Superintendent and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.

PURCHASE OF 500 GALLON FUEL TANK – LONG LAKE DPW

WHEREAS the 2,000 gallon underground heating oil tank for the Long Lake DPW facility needed to be replaced because of age, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent will be replacing the said underground heating oil tank with an above ground 500 gallon heating oil tank, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent has received two (2) written quotes for a new 500-gallon aboveground Highland heating oil tank as follows – RM Dalrymple Co. Inc, - $13,272.99 Yocum Full Service Inc. - $10,085.00 and

WHEREAS, because of almost daily price fluctuations in the purchase price the Superintendent ordered the lower priced tank from Yocum’s Full Service, and

WHEREAS, during the removal of the said underground tank it is required to test the soil for past leaks by a licensed vendor and Yocum’s Full Service provides this service, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors does hereby approve the payment of the new aboveground heating tank from Yocum’s Full Service in the amount of $10,085.00 and approve Yocum’s Full Service to perform the required soil testing of the site, and be it further

RESOLVED, that hereby the County Treasurer is authorized to issue a payment of

$10,085.00 to Yocum’s Full Service, 5925 Morris Road, Marcy, NY 13403 to be taken out of Account No. A1620.0413 IL & LP Building Repairs and the DPW Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so advised.

CONTRACT WITH CONSTELLATION ENERGY SERVICES OF NEW YORK

WHEREAS the County agreement with Constellation Energy Services for purchase of electricity for all County facilities expires on November 5, 2022, and

WHEREAS, Constellation Energy Services has given a proposal to the County to enter into a fixed price agreement for a period of twelve (12) months beginning November 6, 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Constellation Energy Services of New York, Inc. for a fixed price not to exceed 0.15999 kWh for a period of twelve (12) months.

PAYMENT FOR PAVING – IL PARKING LOT

WHEREAS the DPW was authorized to rehabilitate and pave the County Offices parking lot in Indian Lake, and

WHEREAS, the parking lot paving is now completed, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent recommends payment to Gorman Brothers, Inc. for the stated paving, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be so authorized to make payment to Gorman Brothers, Inc. as follows – Gorman Brothers, Inc., 200 Church Street, Albany, NY 12202 in the amount of $31,265.44 for paver and related equipment and payment be made from Account No. A1620.0413 Buildings Projects and the Clerk of the Board and DPW Superintendent be so notified.

SNOW AND ICE CONTRACTS WITH TOWNS FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON

WHEREAS, Article 6, Section 135a of the Highway Law provides that the County Highway Superintendent may contract with any town in the County for the removal of snow and ice from the County roads and for sanding or otherwise treating said roads, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Highway Superintendent be authorized to contract with the various towns of the County, upon the approval of the County Attorney, for said purposes for the said period of: November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 

and the County Treasurer be so advised.

A PROCLAMATION ON THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT KLEPPANG.

WHEREAS we would like to express special recognition to Robert Kleppang and to honor him for his distinguished twenty-three years of service with Hamilton County Community Services; and

WHEREAS Robert began his career on August 23, 1999 as the Director of Community Services; and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Robert for his dedication to the outstanding performance of his duties during his tenure; and

WHEREAS it is the desire and honor of this Board to honor Robert Kleppang

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, do hereby commend and honor Robert Kleppang for his many years of service and dedication as a Hamilton County employee and extend our heartfelt thanks for a job well done and offer our good wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, have

hereunto set our hand to this Proclamation this 3rd day of November, 2022.

A PROCLAMATION ON THE RETIREMENT OF AVIS WARNER

WHEREAS we would like to express special recognition to Avis Warner and to honor her for her distinguished thirty plus years of service with Hamilton County Public Health; and

WHEREAS Avis began her career on June 11, 1990 as a Registered Professional

Nurse for Hamilton County Public Health; and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Avis for her dedication to the outstanding performance of her duties during her tenure; and

WHEREAS it is the desire and honor of this Board to honor Avis Warner

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Hamilton County Board of

Supervisors do hereby commend and honor Avis Warner for her many years of service and dedication as a Hamilton County employee and extend our heartfelt thanks for a job well done and offer our good wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, have

hereunto set our hand to this Proclamation this 3rd day of November, 2022.


Wednesday, November 2, 2022

County experiences inflationary costs

 Supervisors October 31 2022



County experiences inflationary costs

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—Everyone is being hit by inflation and so is Hamilton County government, resulting in the transfer of funds to cover the rising costs. When the County Board of Supervisors met on October 31, it passed the following resolutions.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND BALANCE TO 

COUNTY ROAD FUND

WHEREAS, due to delayed revenue returns from FEMA and NYSDOT while the County Road Fund continues to complete maintenance and reconstruction projects the County Road Fund is over expended until expected revenues come in, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent has met with the County Treasurer and County Public Works Committee to discuss how much will be needed in the near term, and

WHEREAS DPW Superintendent recommends the transfer of $1,000,000.00 from the Unappropriated General Fund balance to fund the County Road Fund obligations in the near term, be it

RESOLVED, that $1,000,000 be transferred from Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to the County Road Fund Balance and that hereby the County Treasurer is authorized to make the said transfer and the Clerk of the Board and County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND BALANCE TO 

COUNTY MACHINERY FUND

WHEREAS, due to large cost increases to parts, supplies and fuel the County Machinery Fund needs funding for the remainder of the fiscal year 2022, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent has met with the County Treasurer and County Public Works Committee to discuss how much will be needed for the rest of the fiscal year 2022, and

WHEREAS DPW Superintendent recommends the transfer of $300,000.00 from the Unappropriated General Fund balance to fund the County Machinery Fund obligations for the remainder of 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that $300,000 be transferred from Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to the County Machinery Fund Balance and that hereby the County Treasurer is authorized to make the said transfer and the Clerk of the Board and County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

AUTHORIZING CLOSING OF OXBOW LAKE OUTLET CULVERT PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Oxbow Outlet Culvert Project is completed, and

WHEREAS the County received a $248,500 Bridge NY award for this project and the project cost was much higher than this award, and

WHEREAS, the County has $77,315.38 of CHIP’s funding that can be utilized to help offset some of the local costs, be it

RESOLVED, that hereby the Superintendent is authorized to utilize the $77,315.38 CHIP’s funding available out of Account No. D5112.0202 Capital Projects, be it further

RESOLVED, that hereby the Oxbow Outlet Culvert Project Account No. D5112.2022 Oxbow Lake Culvert Project be closed and the remaining balance of $10,835.30 be returned to the County Road Fund Balance and the County Treasurer be authorized to close this account and the Clerk of the Board and the County DPW Superintendent be so notified. 

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO VENDORS FOR COUNTY ROAD PROJECT 

WHEREAS Resolution No. 157-22 authorizes the reconstruction of a portion of County Route 4, Big Brook Road, and

WHEREAS payment is due to three vendors for work and materials for this project as follows –

• Gorman Brothers, Inc., 200 Church St., Albany, NY 12202 for paving -

$69,057.84; • Empire Paving, 1900 Duanesburg Road, Duanesburg, NY 12056 for 19mm binder HMA - $162,350.07; • Peckham Materials Corp., PO Box 1055, Albany, NY 12201-1055 for 12.5mm HMA Top Course - $114,559.41 be it 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payments as stated herein out of Account No. D5112.2531 CR4, Big Road and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified. 

AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS FOR COMPLETED 2022 PERMANENT PROJECT ACCOUNTS AND TO CLOSE ACCOUNTS

WHEREAS three (3) County Road Permanent Improvement projects are completed for 2022, and

WHEREAS, all of the project funds have been appropriated and estimated through the CHIPS program, and

WHEREAS the following two (2) projects are complete and over-expended;

D5112.2532 CR15 – Old Northville Road 2022- $ (279.17)

D5112.2533 CR12 – Cedar River Road 2022 – $ (49,790.95) be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be so authorized to complete the transfers stated hereon: $ 279.17 From Account D5112.0202 to Account D5112.2532 CR15

$ 49,790.95 From Account D5112.0202 to Account D5112.2533 CR12

be it further

RESOLVED, the following 2022 Capital Road Projects are complete:

D5112.2531 CR4 - Big Brook Road 2022; D5112.2532 CR15 – Old Northville Road 2022; D5112.2533 CR12 – Cedar River Road 2022

and the County Treasurer be authorized to close these accounts and the Clerk of the Board and the County DPW Superintendent be so notified. 

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO VENDORS FOR COUNTY ROAD PROJECT ON COUNTY ROUTE 12, CEDAR RIVER ROAD IN INDIAN LAKE

WHEREAS Resolution No. 157-22 authorizes the reconstruction of a portion of County Route 12, Cedar River Road, and

WHEREAS payment is due to three vendors for work and materials for this project as follows –

• Gorman Brothers, Inc., 200 Church St., Albany, NY 12202 for paving -

$69,254.84; • Empire Paving, 1900 Duanesburg Road, Duanesburg, NY 12056 for 19mm binder HMA - $109,879.19; • Peckham Materials Corp., PO Box 1055, Albany, NY 12201-1055 for 12.5mm HMA Top Course - $92,813.28 be it 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payments as stated herein out of Account No. D5112.2533 CR12, Cedar River Road and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified. 

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR HAMM ROLLER - DPW

WHEREAS Resolution No. 313-22 authorizes the purchase a one (1) 2020 New Leftover Hamm Roller for use by DPW, and

WHEREAS, the said roller was delivered and inspected by the Superintendent, who now recommends payment of the roller, be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment to Finke 

Equipment, PO Box 127, Selkirk, NY 12158 in the amount of $128,861 and the funds to be taken out of Account No. D5112.0202 Capital Projects for the DPW and the County Highway Superintendent and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.