Allegany County sets public hearing on traffic diversion local law after questions about $250 fee

Legislator Havey introduced Intro No. 1-26 (print 1), a proposed local law to authorize an Allegany County traffic diversion program; the board voted to set a public hearing on the measure under Resolution 99-26 and carried the required motion to consider.

Why it matters: If adopted, the local law would authorize a county-level traffic diversion program that could alter how certain minor traffic infractions are processed and funded. Board members asked for clarification about how fees authorized under the proposal would be distributed, a question that could affect town budgets and program structure.

During discussion, Legislator Ricky read a constituent question about a $250 fee that the county treasurer is authorized to collect and asked whether that money would stay with the county or be returned to towns. The Treasurer said, "Sounds like a question we'd have to look up and answer. It's probably not one we have on top of our heads here," and the board committed to follow up with a definitive answer.

The public safety committee sponsored Resolution 99-26 to set the hearing; the measure requires a two-thirds vote to consider from the floor, and the motion to consider was approved. The board did not take final action on the local law at this meeting; the public hearing date was set to allow further public comment and committee review.

Next steps: The board will post the hearing date and the Treasurer or staff will report back about the fee distribution so legislators and the public know whether the authorized fee would be retained by the county or remitted to town governments.