Governor's Aid Plan Would Co$t M'burgh, Schoharie

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE VALLEY - In the recent past, local school districts would see a sizable increase in state aid in the governor's initial proposal. Not so this year.

All 673 school districts in New York are slated to receive less “foundation aid” than expected under Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget. Worse than that for local districts, about half of those districts, many in rural areas, are projected to receive sharp cuts in the critical foundation aid from what they were allotted last year, some by as much as 48 percent.

The cuts in foundation would both hurt Middleburgh and Schoharie schools. The reduction in foundation aid at MCS could be 9.01 percent, the third worst in Schoharie County, and 1.58 percent at SCS.

Both MCS and SCS superintendents argued that these cuts would hurt the districts.

"In Governor Hochul's proposed budget Schoharie would see a cut in funding by 1.58 percent or $133,851," Schoharie School Superintendent David Blanchard said.

"We receive over half of our revenue from state aid. This has the potential to be disastrous for educational outcomes in small rural districts like Schoharie.  Our other revenue source comes from local taxes which are held to the 2 percent tax cap.  We generally expect expenses to increase 3 percent year over year. Given increased costs and inflation, this will be a very difficult budget for our school district. 

"There is further concern when looking beyond the proposed budget as many local districts were held flat in state aid this current year. Thus the trends we are watching have to be addressed through the legislature and Governor's office. 

"As a district we will work through the issues presented to build a budget that is fair to taxpayers while doing our best to maintain quality programs.

MCS Superintendent Mark Place noted that "the big news has been the change in the Save-Harmless provision. This provision, which has been in place for more than the past five decades, guaranteed that no district would receive less foundation aid than they did in the prior year. The result of this change is a historic shift of resources away from small, rural school districts. 

"If the Governor's proposal is adopted by the legislature without modification, MCS would receive 9.01 percent less foundation aid next year. Our neighboring districts are being hit hard as well, and our collective loss of nearly $3.5 million in foundation aid is untenable. 

"On Friday, the superintendents of the Capital District met with legislators, and the restoration of Save-Harmless is the top priority for both sides of the aisle. The legislators were united in their opposition to the changes in Save-Harmless that have been proposed by the Governor."

Mr. Place added, "At MCS we are going to move forward with the budget priorities I shared at the last board meeting on January 10, 'Advancing Our Vision.' However, because there are no guarantees, the district will be preparing multiple scenarios for the Board's consideration over the next few weeks so that we can pivot as needed while the legislative process plays out."

Under the Governor's current education spending plan, local schools would all be hit:

* Jefferson, down from $2.71 million to $1.9 million, a drop of 29.94 percent.

* Gilboa-Conesville: $2.71 million to $2.07 million, a decrease of 23.61 percent.

* Middleburgh: $8.51 million to $7.74 million, a decrease of $766,431 or 9.01 percent.

* Berne-Knox: $7.07 million to $6.45 million, a decrease of 8.83 percent.

* Sharon Springs: $4.039 million to $3.84 million, a drop of 4.92 percent.

* Duanesburg: $5.34 million to $5.15 million, a decrease of 3.53 percent.

* Schoharie: $8.44 million to $8.307 million, a drop $133,241, of 1.58 percent.

* Cobleskill-Richmondville: $16.27 million to $16.13 million, a decrease of .82 percent.

In local schools, the drop is from $55.087 million to $51,591 million, a drop of $3.496 million, or 6.35 percent.

Since unveiling her proposal, Governor Hochul has noted it was “never an expectation that those (school aid) increases would be sustained at those levels...When you don’t keep historic increases in place every year, it is not a cut.”

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Wright Considering Heating Options at Gallupville House

By Bradley Towle

GALLUPVILLE — The Town of Wright is exploring options to replace the failing heating systems of its historic Gallupville House. Three furnaces are responsible for supplying heat to the building. The first system, specifically for the first-floor courthouse, failed recently and has been replaced for roughly $8,000. One of the two furnaces for the main floor has now been red-tagged, leaving the remaining thirty-year-old unit to heat the large, mostly open area of the Gallupville House’s main floor. All three furnaces had originally been installed simultaneously, causing a bit of insecurity about the remaining days of the holdout still operating. Wright Supervisor Alex Luniewski says he will be meeting with Mohawk Heating to discuss options. 

With events on the schedule, there is some question about how it could impact the Gallupville House Association’s (GHA) plans for programming in the heating months. In February, the GHA will be presenting a “Lincoln Luncheon.” The ticketed event scheduled for February 17 will be a Civil War-era-themed lunch complete with reenactors and Uncle Billy’s Balladeers. Arguably, a lack of heat may be an added touch of historical accuracy, but the hope is that heating issues will not derail the event. Wright Councilperson Bridget Mayne also mentioned the potential for any work on the heating systems to interfere with the event. There are no current plans (or need) to reschedule. 

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Interior Changes Being Made to M'burgh Condos

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Though the new condos being built at the Middleburgh Meadows project look the same from the outside, Middleburgh town assessor Marie Stuber told town board members at their January 11 meeting, that the insides are being changed from the first ones built.

Ms. Stuber told board members that she has not seen the interior of the latest condos being built near the Valley Supermarket nor has she seen pictures of the inside. When it comes to estimating the values of the new condos, she said she is doing her best.

"I may be making errors in the values," she said. "I can only do the best I can."

The original plans for the condos called for a kitchen and living room on the first floor, but apparently that layout has changed, Ms. Stuber told board members.

Former board member Steve Hendrickson noted that all changes in plans have to be filed and told Ms. Stuber to ask for pictures.

She said she was told there were changes made but the code enforcement officer did not have a picture.

Despite repeated attempts, she added, "I'm not getting the information from the developer, Carver Laraway, and associates. I don't know what to do." The latest condos are different from the original plans, she said, though the square footage is the same. She said that the realtor does not have permission to give the information about the changes.

In all, four more condos have sold, according to Ms. Stuber. They look the same from the outside, but are different on the inside, with different upgrades which could increase their values. She said she can only assess what she sees.

Construction of the controversial condos began in early spring 2022. In all 64 units are planned.

The condos, dubbed "The Barracks" by some residents, came under heavy criticism in the past after the planning board allowed the construction of the units despite being heavily changed from the originally approved plans. The original plans called for 16 buildings with four units each but developers said those were not saleable so they changed the plans to 64 single-family units.

Then, Middleburgh and county officials found out that the buildings, despite being single-family homes, would be taxed as condos, which are taxed about 30 percent lower than traditional homes, since there is a condo association.

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Introduction to Snowshoeing

Program hosted at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will hold an introduction to snowshoeing event at the Erie Canal site on Saturday, February 17th starting at 10am.  This program will offer instruction on proper fit and use of snowshoes that can be used to enjoy walks or hikes in the winter.  After instruction, there will be a guided one-mile loop walk along the historic towpaths to the overlook of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. 

This is a free in person event and the site has a limited number of snowshoes available, please call to reserve if you need to borrow them.  If you have your own, bring them along for the fun. 

Enjoy this program with us and earn a mile toward the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s February 15 Challenge.  Participants in that challenge pledge to complete 15 miles by walking, running, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing during the month of February to earn a 15-Miler badge. Participants can choose to log miles at national, state, and local parks, on the Canalway Trail, or even in their own neighborhoods. Any location within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor counts. To find out more visit eriecanalway.org.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum is located at 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069; their telephone number is (518) 829-7516.  The grounds of the site are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Joins us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

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M'burgh, Cobleskill to Meet on New Agreement Over Road Controversy

M'burgh Town Seeking $ from Cobleskill for Repairs on Oak Meadows

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh and Cobleskill town officials should be meeting soon on the maintenance of Oak Meadows Road.

Middleburgh town officials have complained for months about the lack of payments from Cobleskill for road maintenance on Oak Meadows, going back to 2013.

The issue came up again at the Middleburgh town board meeting on January 11. On Tuesday, Supervisor John Youmans said the two sides have not yet met but they are working on setting up a meeting.

Town highway Superintendent Steve Kowalski told board members at their meeting that they have to "sit down with Cobleskill and revisit the agreement." Mr. Kowalski, who has spoke about the agreement several times over the past few months, called it "totally unfair."

He said that Middleburgh should be getting between $1,200 and $1,500 per year to "cover what we put in" to the road.

Mr. Youmans supported the changes, saying he was "on board to make this right." A meeting is being set up with the Cobleskill town supervisor and highway superintendent.

If Cobleskill wants to part ways, Mr. Kowalski said, Middleburgh could "take our losses and go separate ways."

He doubts this will happen.

"If they want to come all this way to fix that small portion, they can."

Middleburgh town officials are seeking back payments from the Town of Cobleskill for roadwork done in the Oak Meadows development since 2013.

The towns of Cobleskill and Middleburgh came to an agreement in 2013 to have Middleburgh maintain the road in the Oak Meadows development off of Route 145, in exchange with yearly payments.

That plan lasted for one year as Cobleskill paid Middleburgh $900 in 2014, according to Middleburgh town officials.

After some discussion, Middleburgh officials last month agreed to extend the agreement for another five years and ask for back payments.

The agreement states, "The Town of Cobleskill shall pay the Town of Middleburgh on an annual basis, no later than February 1st of each year, a sum equal to the amount levied from that portion of the annual tax bill for 'Highway outside of Village' on each of tax parcels hereinbefore listed and any lots which may be subdivided from said parcels, based on the prior year's assessment...the parties have agreed that during term of this agreement, Town of Middleburgh shall be responsible for all year round maintenance, upkeep and repair of said roads, including salting, sanding and plowing, and in consideration thereof, the Town of Cobleskill shall pay the Town of Middleburgh on an annual basis, all sums levied from that portion of the annual tax bill for 'Highway outside of Village' on each of following tax parcels and any lots which may be subdivided from1said parcels."

At that time, there were seven parcels, and only two had homes on the land. Only two parcels, in 2013 were assessed at more than $200,000. The rest, unimproved properties, were all assessed at $26,500 or less. Now, with homes on each parcel, the assessments are much more than $200,000, Middleburgh officials said.

Middleburgh officials will ask the town attorney, Mike West, to redraft the agreement with the extension.

The road maintenance and upkeep will continue.

The Town of Cobleskill, Mr. Kowlaski said has not put their section of the road in Oak Meadows in their road inventory meaning that the town cannot receive CHIPs funds from the state. The Town of Middleburgh cannot get CHIPs funds for the road, despite maintaining it, since the road is in the Town of Cobleskill. The funds would gave amounted to about $25,000, he said.

In addition to redrafting the agreement, the Town of Middleburgh will ask the Town of Cobleskill for back payments and future payments for roadwork and maintenance.

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MCS to Host Blood Drive on Feb. 28

MIDDLEBURGH - Give the gift of life: The American Red Cross is experiencing an urgent need for blood donations, and the Middleburgh Central School District is ready to help by hosting a blood drive 12-6 p.m. Feb. 28 in the high school library. It is an opportunity for students, staff and the community to come together for the community’s benefit.

Students who are 16 and older can donate, but those under the age of 17 will need a parent/guardian consent form. Students may sign up in School Nurse Jennifer Adams’ office or online. All other community members should sign up at redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: MiddleburghCS.

Appointments for students and staff to donate will be available from 12-3 p.m. Appointments for community members will be available from 3-6 p.m. 

All donors will receive a $20 gift card for Amazon.com, which will be sent via email.

Questions? Call Ms. Adams at 518-827-3600, Ext 2609.

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Court News

Buck, William, 48, was convicted of Burglary 2nd Degree, a class D Felony, Assault 3rd, a class A Misdemeanor. It was alleged that Mr. Buck entered a family member's home and caused physical injury to several family members. The Schoharie County Court sentenced Mr. Buck to six months in jail and five years' probation on attempted burglary, and DNA, DNA Surcharge of $50, and Surcharge of $325. Mr. Buck was also sentenced with orders of protection for two individuals. Former Cobleskill Police Officer Whittaker was the arresting officer.

Kosier, Brian, 29, was convicted of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. Mr. Kosier was sentenced by the Schoharie County Court on the request of the victim's family to eight years in a New York State Prison and twenty years post release supervision. He will register as a sex offender and pay fines and fees in the amount of $1425. A full stayaway order of protection for a maximum of eight years.

Villanueva, lan, 19, was convicted of Assault in the Second Degree, a class D Felony. It was alleged that while Mr. Villanueva was being arrested for a separate crime, he bent the wrist of a New York State Police Officer and bit the Officer's wrist while resisting arrest. Mr. Villanueva was sentenced to time served (six months) and five years' probation. New York State Police Investigator Kinnear and Trooper Yodis were the arresting officers.

McHargue, Jesse, 34, was resentenced on a conviction for Petit Larceny to 150 days in jail by the Town of Cobleskill Court. It was alleged that Mr. McHargue violated his terms and conditions of probation.

Fuller, James, 40, was convicted of Reckless Driving and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator in the 2nd degree in the Town of Jefferson. Jefferson Town Court sentenced him to 180 days, fines, and surcharges. New York State Police Investigator Udell and Sergeant Molle were the arresting officers.

Stapleton, Eli, 31, was convicted of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree and Petit Larceny. The Town of Jefferson Court sentenced him to 60 days, a Conditional Discharge, DNA fees, and Order of Protection, restitution, $200 fine and $205 surcharge. New York State Trooper Yodis was the arresting officer.

Decker, Stephanie, 32, was convicted of one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd: Narcotic Drug Intent to Sell, a class B felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd: 1/8 Oz Meth-Intent to Sell. Ms. Decker pled guilty on January 13th, 2022 and failed to appear for her sentencing court date. The People requested State Prison. Ms. Decker was sentenced by County Court to a determinate sentence of one (1) year with two (2) years Post Release Supervision and court ordered parole supervision (drug treatment with post release supervision), a $300 surcharge, $25 Crime Victim Assistance Fee, and a $50 DNA fee for DNA submission.

Decker, Stephanie, 32, was convicted of Bail Jumping in the Third Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. Ms. Decker was sentenced by Schoharie Town Court to time served, a conditional discharge, DNA fee of $50, Surcharge of $205.00. Schoharie County Sheriff's Investigator Armlin and Sergeant Reinhart were the arresting officers.

*** CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS AND INDICTMENTS ARE ACCUSATIONS. A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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National Bank of Coxsackie Announces Promotion of Brenda Bellinger to Branch Manager

Coxsackie – The National Bank of Coxsackie announced today the promotion of Brenda Bellinger as Branch Manager for their Middleburgh location.

With over 30 years of Banking experience, Ms. Bellinger has been with National Bank of Coxsackie for the 5 years, and has served as the Assistant Manager in the Middleburgh Branch for her entire tenure. Ms. Bellinger’s previous experience was with NBT, also operating in the Middleburgh market.

“I am really looking forward to stepping into the role as Middleburgh Branch Manager.” Brenda Bellinger said, “NBC has already established themselves as a true community bank in their markets, and I am excited to continue that legacy.”

"We are excited to have Brenda assume this leadership role," said George Cooper, Chief Retail Banking Officer. "Her knowledge of the Banking industry and commitment to customer service will immediately add value to the customers we serve and in the Schoharie County area.”

Since 1852, The National Bank of Coxsackie has been the premier bank of choice for thousands of customers. With eight branch locations ranging from Coxsackie to Glenmont, including their new commercial loan production and administrative office in Latham, the bank serves the greater Capital Region. National Bank of Coxsackie is committed to providing customers with the same products and services as larger banks, while delivering them with a personal touch. The bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC Bancorp, Inc. (OTCPK:NCXS).

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PDQ Quilters Meeting February 06, 2024

The Peaceable Day Quilters (PDQ) quilt guild will be gathering for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 06, from 10:30 am until noon at the Fusion Church hall, 375 North Grand Street, Cobleskill, NY.  The featured program is scheduled to be Festival of Broken Needles by Marilyn Barnes and Chalk Pouncing Demo by Sue Demick.   Sign-ups also will continue for the remaining winter and spring workshops and field trip. Some members will also be show-casing their recent projects in the Show and Tell section.  All are welcome, and a special invitation to join us is always extended to area and visiting quilters from beginner to experienced.

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SEEC TO LEAD MAIN STREET INVESTMENTS

SEEC Placemaking: Curb Appeal Program will provide matching grants for commercial property improvements

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) is delighted to announce a new locally-funded grant opportunity coined SEEC Placemaking: Curb Appeal Program. The comprehensive approach involves free design consultations, online resources and an architect charette to be scheduled for early March. Commercial businesses and property owners located in the Village centers and hamlets are eligible with preference given to historic district improvements. Applications will be available online February 1st with a submission deadline of March 29, 2024. Funding awards will be announced in May for 2024 project completion.

The goal is to encourage pedestrian-friendly, well-appointed, high-quality Main Street corridors. Through private donations, SEEC will match Schoharie County property owner and business investments up to $5,000. In some cases, it may be more.

“It is no surprise we believe that where investment occurs, matters,” remarked Tom Putnam, Board Chairman of Fenimore Asset Management and Chair of SEEC. “We are fully committed to making our communities more desirable. Co-investing with local businesses to beautify Main Street is a step in that direction”. 

SEEC’s Curb Appeal Program is focused on exterior design and necessary building improvements along each of the six Village Main Streets, hamlets and eight different eligible historic districts. SEEC is offering $1,000 - $5,000 matching grants with discretion for added investment for high impact projects. Commercial and mixed-use property owners or business tenants are eligible.

An applicant may be selected to receive a grant up to 50% or $5,000 of the total approved project cost, the SEEC Board maintains discretion to increase awards. The other 50% must be matched with another source of funds be it cash, bank loan or other grant resource. In some cases, special financing and tax exemptions may be available. 

SEEC has designed the program to include free access to design professionals. “SEEC understands that a positive visual impact, one that complements the character of the business district, will generate more interest and stimulate more business activity and vitality,” added Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator. “We have asked design professionals to provide consultation for projects so we may learn tips of the trade that may stretch the dollar and enhance the outcomes.” 

Placemaking as defined by New York State is the notion that where investment occurs matters. A guiding state principle, to retain and attract a talented workforce, the built environment must emphasize creating accessible job centers, sustainable infrastructure and livable communities. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration and potential, with the intention of creating spaces that promote people's health, happiness and well-being.

This program was made possible by the Marge and Randy Becker Foundation, Sterling Insurance Company Foundation, Fenimore Asset Management and other generous private donors. Visit www.seecny.org, email admin@seecny.org or call Trish at (518) 517-1700 to learn more about the Curb Appeal Program or how you may invest with SEEC as a 501c3.

###

About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. Established by the private sector, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation, commonly known as “SEEC,” was organized as a not-for-profit to strengthen Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison to local municipalities and institutional leaders with the common goal of highlighting distinctive points of light within the community, cultivating entrepreneurial endeavors, and enhancing the ability of local businesses to add value to their enterprises. SEEC is guided by social, environmental, and financial principles that will accelerate growth and help provide sustainability through a collaborative and thriving business community. 

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Porter, Youmans, Alberti Tops in M'burgh Derby

MIDDLEBURGH - Dozens of Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 30 crowded the Middleburgh Community Center on Cotton Hill Road Saturday evening for the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.

After numerous heats, the winners were: Megan Porter first, Spencer Youmans second, and Amelia Alberti third.

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SCS Sees Gains in Student Attendance, Discipline

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School has made great strides in the areas of student attendance and discipline in the last three years, school Superintendent David Blanchard said at the January 18 board meeting.

The attendance gains have been good at both the elementary and secondary schools, Mr. Blanchard told school board members.

The attendance problem has shifted at the elementary school, he explained. After schools returned to normal after the pandemic, the attendance problem was getting students to attend school, now it is punctuality.

"It wasn't long ago that the thing was to get them to attend," Mr. Blanchard said, "now it's getting them here on time."

New policies, activities, and clubs in the district have gotten students more involved on all levels, he noted. New intramurals and clubs "are really paying dividends." Participation on the modified and JV is "really encouraging."

The district made the attendance and discipline policies stricter for students since the pandemic, he added.

"We raised the bar quickly, but we did it in a positive way." Other new clubs included outdoor and adventure clubs and more.

Mr. Blanchard said he would have more information on the academic gains in the elementary school next month.

In the high school there are far fewer absences than in years past, Mr. Blanchard said, which is very encouraging. The absent list in the high school is now very short every day. He will give the board more data next month.

As for discipline, "the climate is great in both buildings," he told school board members. "There are no problems in the halls. We are encouraged by the growth."

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SCS Working on Workplace Violence Prevention Policy

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school officials are working on writing a new workplace violence prevention policy.

School Superintendent David Blanchard told board members at their January 18 meeting that a committee has been formed to formulate the policy, which is required by the state. The committee had a policy template in place from other districts and is currently 75 percent in place.

He will give another report on the policy at the board's February 19 meeting.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

*  Accepted the resignation of Shandi Dickenson, Teaching Assistant, effective retroactive to end of day on January 3.

* Accepted the resignation of Brittany Page-Burke, Teacher Aide, effective as of end of the day on January 19.

* Appointed Susan Poulsen, provisional Administrative Support I, Step 10 $41,591 prorated per SCEA Contract, eight hours/day, five days per week, 12 months per year, 52 weeks provisional, effective retroactive to January 8.

* Named Tara Leveski, provisional Administrative Support I, Step 3 $33,816 prorated per SCEA Contract, eight hours/day, five days per week, 12 months per year, 52 weeks provisional, effective January 29.

* Approved the reassignment of Faleasha Lethco, from: Part-Time Food Service Helper to: Full-Time Food Service Helper, Salary Step 4 $17,809 per SCEA Contract, 6.5 hours/day, additional hours as needed, effective January 19.

* Appointed Nicholas Sisson, Part-Time Food Service Helper, Salary Step 4 $15.30/hour per SCEA Contract, five hours/day, additional time as needed, according to School Calendar, effective January 19.

* Named Aleshia Davis, Part-Time Food Service Helper, Salary Step 3 $15.20/hour per SCEA Contract, 4.5 hours/day, additional time as needed, effective January 22.

* Appointed the following Class/Club Advisors, for the 2023-24 School Year: Michelle Haverly, Junior High School Student Council advisor, stipend per union contract, I2 $1,160 and Rylie Smith, Environmental Stewards Club advisor, stipend per union contract, $850.

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Security Upgrade a Must, Says Board of Supervisors

By Leila Crockett

SCHOHARIE — On January 19, the Schoharie Board of Supervisors considered Resolution 29, aiming to enhance building security in all county-operated facilities. A Safety and Security committee was formed, expecting to review current and potential security enhancements.

Safety and Security Committee Chair, Town of Jefferson Supervisor Peggy Hait, began her report by highlighting the new lobby doors. She mentioned a second ad seeking personnel to operate the recently purchased metal detector for the county. Hait expressed the committee's belief in the necessity of acquiring an X-ray machine (to scan bags). She stated, "We have homeless people in the lobby area, and we don't know what they are carrying. For the safety of the building, we feel that we should move forward with the X-ray machine, either as a phase two to this project or order it right away."

Schoharie Town Supervisor Alan Tavener questioned the need for an X-ray if a metal detector is in use. Blenheim Town Supervisor Donald Airey explained that the X-ray machine expedites the entire security procedure by scanning bags, mail, and packages entering the building.

Hait sought approval for acquiring a key card entry system for the personnel office. This system would enable supervisors to instantly revoke entry for any personnel who is either fired or placed on administrative leave. The deputy overseeing security would receive a daily log indicating any changes to personnel. Hait reported instances where Deputy Wood had allowed entry to individuals who were either fired or placed on administrative leave as he was not made aware of the changes.

Another significant change would be that egress and entry would be restricted to the Spring Street entrance, with the Main Street entrance and other exit doors designated for emergency use only.

County Administrator, Korsah Akumfi was present to answer budget-related questions. He explained that the money for these upgrades was set aside during the January 2023 planning meeting, with a total of $750,000 allocated specifically for three subcommittee actions, including security measures. Akumfi emphasized that there was no commitment on how the money would be divided among the subcommittee actions, and security personnel would also be paid from this budget.

The Board ultimately approved a motion to purchase the new ID System at not more than $10,500 and the X-ray Machine at not more than $30,000.

After a brief interview with Supervisor Hait this past Wednesday, it was revealed that the Board of Supervisors began considering these measures at their January 2023 planning meeting. When questioned about any impetus for the increase in security measures, Hait clarified that, while there were no specific incidents, the Board felt it was time to move in this direction. Hait cited a responsibility to citizens and county employees alike in maintaining safety and security throughout county-operated facilities. She explained that clear goals were established through comparisons and observations of surrounding counties, revealing a relatively uniform approach from county to county, which helped lay the groundwork to identify and implement necessary changes.

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