April 16, 2024
STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF’S OFFICE ON DENIAL OF COUNTY’S REQUEST TO APPEAL JUDGE’S RULING IN RESOLUTION CASE
“In September of 2023, members of the Steuben County government passed two resolutions to strip the Sheriff’s liability protections under the Public Officer Law and to cause him to purchase, at his own expense, millions of dollars of liability insurance. Upon submitting a petition to enjoin the resolutions to the New York State Supreme Court, the Sheriff was granted a stay of the resolutions until it could be heard in Supreme Court. Prior to the initial court hearing, the county repealed the resolution requiring liability insurance. In January, after the initial hearing, the New York State Supreme Court ordered that a legislator, who was present in the closed executive sessions leading to the resolution vote, needed to be deposed to provide firsthand information for the Court’s use in deciding whether or not the county “acted in bad faith”. The county then filed a motion in Appellate Court to appeal this decision and prevent the testimony of the legislator. On April 11, 2024, the New York State Appellate Court denied the Steuben County’s attorneys’ motion to appeal, allowing for the court ordered deposition of a County Legislator to proceed, with a final hearing in NYS Supreme Court subsequent to the legislator’s deposition.
“Although the County’s request to appeal only prolonged the legal fight and the use of taxpayer monies to continue it, Steuben County residents are assured that the Sheriff and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office remain committed to their public safety mission, as well as serving the citizens of Steuben County. For more information about the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and its various activities, programs, and duties, follow us on Facebook at Steuben County Sheriff’s Office or visit our Steuben County Sheriff’s Office App and website (SteubenNYsheriff).”
Wlea News reached out to Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler, WHeeler replied that he has no comment at this time.
