JOHNSTOWN — The Fulton County Department of Social Services is attempting to improve security at its Cooper Building on Daisy Lane with new security cameras and an updated badge/door system.
DSS Commissioner Anne Solar outlined about $10,000 worth of proposed changes Tuesday to the Board of Supervisors’ Human Services Committee at the County Office Building.
Solar said Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, Undersheriff Daniel Izzo and DSS’s sheriff security officer have all recommended purchase of security cameras — for use both inside and outside — to improve department security and provide valuable evidence should a crime occur on-site.
“The last three security officers we’ve had have all suggested that,” she added.
The committee approved a proposed resolution to accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program [SNAP] award money, purchase security cameras and amend the 2019 county budget accordingly. The full board will finalize that resolution Oct. 15.
A total of $4,195 worth of purchases would be made. That figure includes: three outdoor security cameras — $2,277; five indoor security cameras — $1,476; and eight microSD cards — $441.
Solar said 50 percent would be paid through federal reimbursement, with the other 50 percent of the cost paid with a SNAP award.
“It’s a good measure,” said Gloversville 2nd Ward Supervisor Frank Lauria Jr.
The DSS administration has “repeatedly fielded employee requests” for security cameras at the Cooper Building, Solar said.
She said the availability of 100 percent reimbursement presented an opportunity to purchase the equipment. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance approved use of SNAP award funding for purchase of the security cameras and increased the county’s allocation by $3,000.
Solar said county Superintendent of Highways and Facilities Mark Yost and county Director of Information Technology Perry Lovell were informed of the project, with the latter instrumental in securing equipment quotes.
The committee also gave Solar temporary permission to transfer $6,000 to update DSS’s Linstar badge/door system, which was recently down for a week. Solar said the situation caused “expected inconveniences, but also several more significant issues.”
The county will be spending $5,820 for door panels, controller boxes, two CPUs, three power supplies, and installation.
Solar said the system provided by Linstar is many years old and parts are becoming obsolete. Lovell agreed it is in DSS’s best interest to purchase an upgraded system.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
