Committee ratifies Next Generation 911 application, approves $1.5 million-plus award to replace communications phones

The Bridal Justice, Public Safety and Emergency Services Committee on Aug. 19 ratified the county’s application for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services FY2025 Next Generation 911 grant and approved a budget amendment to accept the award, described in the meeting record as a little over $1,500,000.

Sheriff Lafarre told the committee the award is not a matching grant and will be used to replace the communications center phone systems, which he said have reached end of life after roughly five years in service; the system is now in its sixth year. He described the system replacement as expensive and said the county would “utilize every penny.”

Supervisor Patrick asked whether the application process normally occurs before or after receiving award letters; Lafarre replied the committee was ratifying the application and accepting the award, and that an award letter was part of the agenda. Lafarre said the county would not be required to provide local matching funds for this grant.

The motions to ratify the application and amend the budget were moved by Supervisors Schraner and Conover and carried by voice vote. The meeting record does not include a detailed project schedule, vendor selection, or procurement contract; Lafarre said the county plans to use the grant to replace the phone system in the communications center.