Social Services adjusts 2026 budget and outlines warming-center plans

The Legislature approved a budget modification requested by the Social Services Department that reallocated existing appropriations to cover higher-than-expected emergency-aid and safety-net expenses without requesting additional county funds.

Joe Siebert of Social Services said the modification is “housekeeping”: money is moved between existing line items so bills are paid from the correct accounts rather than drawing on contingency or fund balance. He described higher emergency shelter and heating-repair costs and said the department was able to shift appropriations because residential census is down. The resolution passed on voice vote.

Siebert also provided an operational update on warming centers: staff met with Step by Step in Ogdensburg and are aiming for a Nov. 1 start through April with typical hours around 8 p.m.–8 a.m. He said last year some centers opened at 7 p.m. because of early winter darkness and that the department is exploring expansion to Massena next year, subject to requests and partnership details.