Yates applauds jail accreditation

Yates applauds jail accreditation

    PENN YAN—The Yates County legislature met for 43 minutes Monday, Aug. 13, during which they held an accreditation ceremony for the Yates County Jail.
    Executive Director of the Sheriff’s Association Peter Kehoe said Yates County recently became one of four counties in the state to achieve all five accreditations available. Kehoe said he applauds the Yates County Sheriff’s Office and legislature for their work, as well as the citizens of Yates County for their continued support of the sheriff’s office.
    Sheriff Ronald G. Spike praised the work of the accreditation team, saying it was a long time in the making for the Yates County jail. “I think we are much better prepared for the future to reduce our liability,” Spike said.
    County Chairman H. Taylor Fitch said he thinks the sheriff’s office is on a perfect path and credited Sheriff Spike and the personnel for their hard work in maintaining the 166 bench mark standards for accreditation. With the exception of Timothy J. Dennis, who was absent from the meeting, the legislature unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the accomplishment of the Yates County Sheriff’s Office in achieving county jail accreditation recognition.
    Also during the meeting, the county legislature held a public hearing and passed a resolution adopting a local law to provide for the manner of filling vacancies in elective county offices. The law allows the county legislature to fill the elective positions of county legislator, treasurer and coroner by appointment should the position become vacant by reasons other than expiration of term. Under the law, the governor also can appoint officials in any other elective county office not handled by the legislature.
    The legislature also unanimously passed a resolution commending Deputy Treasurer Eileen N. Knauss for her 32 years of work in the Yates County Treasurer’s office.
    The legislature unanimously supported a resolution in opposition to the Uniform Notice of Claim Act passed by the state assembly and senate. Fitch said the act permits the filing of claim against local governments in New York State, as opposed to the local governments themselves.
    “It’s not right to make more litigation for counties,” Fitch said. “To make a law that expands that litigation is just wrong. We are all concerned about the cost of government, and one of the highest costs is the cost of litigation.”
    Fitch said the act is another attempt by the state to take control of local governments.
The next meeting of the legislature is Monday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. in the legislative chambers of the county office building.