BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Legislators agreed to sign a lease with the St. Lawrence Valley Educational Television Council to maintain a radio antenna for the Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say the antenna is located on the WNPI Channel 18 tower in South Colton.

The measure was passed unanimously during the full board meeting on Oct. 3.

According to the resolution, the Sheriff’s Office has received a two-year lease agreement with an option for two, one-year extensions if it is deemed prudent.

The annual cost is $15,555 in 2023 and $16,333 in 2024, according to the resolution.

The new contract will run from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2024, with the deal potentially running to Dec. 31, 2026 if both contract options are exercised by officials.

In other action taken by the board on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, legislators agreed to move $180,285 and decrease appropriations from the Jail Direct Service Workers account to cover expenses.

According to the resolution, the Sheriff’s Office Civil and Correctional Divisions have exceeded the budget in certain accounts for 2022.

Those accounts for the civil division include office supplies, copying, postage and gas.

Jail accounts affected include medical malpractice, medical supplies and food supplies.

Legislators also approved a budget modification to cover an increased cost for a vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office.

The total expense totaled $8,472 and came as a result of a modified order that was required “due to high demand and availability issues.”

The department will now receive a 2023 Ford Utility Police Interceptor instead of the 2022 model year.