I don't know how this can be done, but how could Schenectady County change it's representation from the present County Legislatures to a "Board of Supervisors"? Other counties seem to function more efficiently with this system. Anyone know?
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Rene
October 17, 2008, 8:45am
Guest User
Its one of those things I keep wanting to research and haven't had the time to do it. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
§ 102. Specific powers. In pursuance of and in addition to all powers specified in section one hundred one, the board of supervisors, subject to the provisions of the alternative form adopted by the county, shall have power to: 1. Create, organize, alter, consolidate or abolish administrative units and transfer and assign their functions, powers and duties. 2. Exercise all powers of local legislation under the provisions of article six of the county law or other act of the legislature. 3. Adopt the annual county budget as provided in article seven of the county law. 4. Fix the compensation of all officers and employees of the county paid from county funds, except judicial officers, as provided in the county law. 5. Fix the number of deputies, assistants and clerks in the several administrative units of the county. 6. Provide for the assumption and discharge by county officers and other officials paid from county funds of such functions of cities, towns and villages as may devolve upon the county under or pursuant to the alternative form of county government, or modification or change, adopted by the county. 7. Fix the amount of bonds of all officers and employees paid from county funds. 8. Employ such legal, financial or other technical advisers as may be necessary from time to time, in relation to the performance of any of the functions of the alternative form of government adopted by the county. 9. Make appropriations, levy taxes and incur indebtedness in the manner provided by law for the purpose of carrying out any of the functions, powers and duties conferred or imposed on the county or on any officer or administrative unit of the county, by the alternative form of government adopted by the county or otherwise by law. 10. Make appropriation for the expenses of any advisory board. 11. Investigate the official conduct and the accounts, receipts, disbursements, bills and affairs of any administrative unit or of any officer paid from county funds of the county. 12. Make such studies and investigations as it deems to be in the best interest of the county, and for such purposes subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of books, papers and other evidence deemed necessary or material to the inquiry. 13. Whenever it is not clear what officer shall exercise any power or perform any duty conferred or imposed upon the county or an officer thereof, designate the officer who shall perform the service. Pending action by the board of supervisors, the county executive may make a temporary assignment. 14. Determine and make provision for any matter of county government not otherwise provided for, including any matter involved in transition to the form of government adopted by the county. 15. Enact such county acts and make such reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to carry out the form of alternative county government adopted by the county.
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In New York, counties are governed by a county legislature, a board of representatives, or a board of supervisors. Similar to a city council, a board of supervisors has legislative, executive, and quasi-judicial powers. The important difference is that a county is an administrative division of a state, whereas a city is a municipal corporation; thus, counties implement and, as necessary, refine the local application of state law and public policy, while cities produce and implement their own local laws and public policy (subject to the overriding authority of state law).
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Interesting info. From what I can make of it the county is a captive audience of the state demands, whereas the city and probably the towns are seperate and individual units with home rule authority. Probably best to leave the lawyering and interpretation to the lawyers. I would be most interested in 1. Can a switch to a board of supervisors be accomplished? and 2. What is the procedure? 3. Does the county leg need to initiate it or can the towns initiate it? I also assume it would require a public referendum. I will see what I can find out.
I think you are correct MT. It would appear at first blush that this is a "county law" type of issue and would be initiated by them. Fat chance of that.
Maybe contacting either Warren or Schoharie for information would be helpful as they are governed by a Board of Supervisors. And it would also be interesting to see how all of the Town's supervisor's in Schenectady County would welcome this idea.
This is an idea whose time has come -again. We used to have a Board of Supervisors and after the library disaster, SCCC music debacle and budget disgrace, it must be the first order of business in the new year.
Since the current Legislators would never abolish their double dips, it must be approved by County referendum. We should speak to Saratoga County which is the most efficient County with the lowest tax rate, that has a Board. This would be an unpaid Board of Supervisors, with one clerk of the Board and no other staff.
The current system is horrible, 6 people representing two different sections of the City? The City should have 3 seats, one picked by the Mayor, one by City Council, one elected. Each town would be represented by their Supervisor. The Hilltowns which have no current representation, would have seats under a Board of Supervisors. This would save taxpayers millions as well as be more representative.
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This is an idea whose time has come -again. We used to have a Board of Supervisors and after the library disaster, SCCC music debacle and budget disgrace, it must be the first order of business in the new year. 
