Board adopts local law easing residency rules for most assistant attorneys; first assistants still must live in Warren County

The Warren County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 16 approved Local Law No. 2 of 2026 to modify residency requirements for assistant prosecutors and defense and county attorney staff, allowing most assistant attorneys to live in adjacent counties while retaining a residency requirement for the "first assistant" in each office.

County legal staff said the change is aimed at expanding the recruitment pool amid hiring difficulties in the district attorney's, public defender's and county attorney's offices. The county attorney explained the local law aligns county policy with actions already taken by several neighboring counties and conforms to state law. "This provides more flexibility in looking for attorneys who may already reside in an adjoining county," the county attorney said.

Supporters said the change would help offices recruit qualified candidates at current pay scales and reduce staffing gaps; opponents raised a principle that those working for the county should also be local taxpayers. One supervisor said, "If you're gonna work in our county, you should be a neighbor, a taxpayer, and have a vested interest," and announced they would vote no.

The county attorney clarified the residency exception does not apply to the first designated assistant in each office because that person must assume the principal's duties when necessary; those first assistants "must continue to reside" in Warren County. Other assistant positions may be filled by candidates living in adjoining counties such as Saratoga, Washington or Essex.

A roll call was requested and taken; the clerk read individual votes and the transcript records "Resolution passes with 858 votes in favor." The board recorded at least one 'No' vote during the roll call.