Update On The Sheriff's Lawsuit Situation

From Sheriff Jim Allard:  "In September of 2023, members of the Steuben County government passed two resolutions to strip the Sheriff’s liability protections under the Public Officer Law and to cause him to purchase, at his own expense, millions of dollars of liability insurance.  Upon submitting a petition to enjoin the resolutions to the New York State Supreme Court, the Sheriff was granted a stay of the resolutions until it could be heard in Supreme Court.  Prior to the initial court hearing, the county repealed the resolution requiring liability insurance.  In January, after the initial hearing, the New York State Supreme Court ordered that a legislator, who was present in the closed executive sessions leading to the resolution vote, needed to be deposed to provide firsthand information for the Court’s use in deciding whether or not the county “acted in bad faith”.  The county then filed a motion in Appellate Court to appeal this decision and prevent the testimony of the legislator.  On April 11, 2024, the New York State Appellate Court denied the Steuben County’s attorneys’ motion to appeal, allowing for the court ordered deposition of a County Legislator to proceed, with a final hearing in NYS Supreme Court subsequent to the legislator’s deposition. 

          "Although the County’s request to appeal only prolonged the legal fight and the use of taxpayer monies to continue it, Steuben County residents are assured that the Sheriff and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office remain committed to their public safety mission, as well as serving the citizens of Steuben County.  For more information about the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and its various activities, programs, and duties, follow us on Facebook at Steuben County Sheriff’s Office or visit our Steuben County Sheriff’s Office App and website (SteubenNYsheriff)."

 

We contacted Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler.  Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler says he has no comment at this time.

 

The 209 Committee: What It Is  

The Steuben County Legislature created what they’re calling the 209 Committee in July of 2023.   It was formed to allow the county to look into any issues going on in county departments.  There is going to be a meeting of the 209 Committee this Thursday morning. 

 

Gov Hochul: The State Budget Has Been Agreed Upon 

Governor Kathy Hochul says there has been a budget agreement.  The big thing school superintendents look for in state budgets: how much will be going to education?  The answer this year: $35.9 billion dollars.   The governor says $29 billion of that money, will be going to school foundational aid. 

 

Langworthy: I Want A Commission On AI And Child Abuse
Congressman Nick Langworthy has introduced legislation, which if passed, would set up a commission — a group of experts with backgrounds in AI, child protection, and law enforcement — who can develop solutions to this growing problem as AI technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The commission is expected to assess the current state of the problem and recommend solutions to improve the current legal framework.

 

Troopers Deliver A Baby In An Emergency SItuation 

State Police report that troopers in Seneca County helped deliver a baby in Waterloo.  That happened because a pregnant woman had a baby in a parking lot at a store there and State Police helped her out.