SCHOHARIE — During the June 18 Schoharie County Finance Committee meeting, held on a Wednesday, county Supervisors made several key decisions to amend the county budget and approve vital contracts. The meeting, led by Supervisors Sandra Manko of Sharon, Jeff Haslun of Richmondville, and Harold Vroman, was attended by several local residents and county employees who participated in the discussions.
Among the major approvals was a contract for the Caverns Road Bridge Replacement project, valued at $3.894 million, aimed at replacing the crucial infrastructure. Additionally, the committee approved a $629,145 contract with Carver Construction for the replacement of the Ecker Hollow culvert, another project vital for improving the county’s road network.
The supervisors also reviewed a potential agreement with Mom's Meals, which would extend their meal delivery services to the county’s senior population. This contract, which would last until July 1, 2026, aims to ensure continuity of the Meals on Wheels program via the Senior Council, safeguarding the provision of meals should there be any disruption.
Another key discussion centered on the approval of a $12,000 annual contract with a 3.5% yearly increase for Dr. Moise Marmozette, appointing him as the county’s Medical Director. The Finance Committee also authorized an $867,208 contract with Thermo Bond Building, LLC, designated for miscellaneous construction work and ongoing maintenance services related to the Schoharie County broadband project. Additionally, an engagement letter was approved for Bonadio accounting to conduct audits for the same broadband initiative.
Perhaps one of the most significant decisions was the $3 million contract with Motorola Solutions, which will provide the Sheriff's Department with cutting-edge communication equipment. This investment aims to enhance the department’s capabilities in maintaining public safety, especially in emergencies, by improving communication infrastructure county-wide.
The meeting also covered contract renewals, including a $375.01 monthly agreement with Inovalon for billing services related to Mental Health and a continuation of services with Highmark Insurance Company. For Social Services, the committee approved up to $120,000 to support Together for Youth in delivering qualified individual assessment services under the Family First Prevention Services Act, extending through June 16, 2026.
In other matters, the committee discussed an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Gilboa to facilitate the reopening of Flat Creek Road, with additional financial details to be provided soon.
Two proposals were also tabled for security and surveillance upgrades at the Department of Public Works (DPW). One proposal from Capital Security would install Fire-Security-Access Control CCTV Integrated Systems at the DPW for $22,590, while another addresses the addition and adjustments to the video intercom system, priced at $5,740. Additionally, there were nine unrestricted pistol permit transactions, including two transfers in and two transfers out, alongside eleven semi-auto firearm transactions.
Gretchen Baker reported on her progress with document indexing for materials uploaded to the county website, a project that will extend to towns and villages as well.
In a financial update, Sarah Hunt shared encouraging news, reporting a $42,000 increase in sales tax revenue for the county, with the month of May showing a 0.3% increase compared to the budgeted projection.
The meeting was marked by efficient decision-making and a clear focus on strategic planning to ensure the county’s infrastructure, public health, and safety needs are met in the coming years.