The Chautauqua County Public Safety Committee voted to accept a New York State Office of Homeland Security Next Generation 9‑1‑1 (NG9‑1‑1) grant of $1,515,197 to upgrade the sheriff’s 9‑1‑1 phone system and related infrastructure.

“Nate Beitomey, sheriff's office” told the committee the funds will allow upgrades and maintenance to the 9‑1‑1 system and that the county did not budget for the grant in its 2025 budget. “Therefore, a budget amendment is needed to add in the revenue under New York State aid of $1,515,197 and add in the appropriation under a contractual amount of $1,515,197,” he said.

Committee members asked whether the grant award has been formally received and pressed for details on what technical changes are planned. A committee member asked, “Have we received the funds? Or will has there been a confirmation of the funds?” The sheriff’s office representative said staff would check with the grant administrators and that the department’s typical process is to file resolutions after being notified of an actual award and then amend the budget accordingly.

On technical scope, the sheriff’s office said many systems are moving from server‑based storage to cloud‑based services; an information‑technology staff member was requested to provide specifics about the planned upgrades and maintenance.

The committee approved the resolution by voice vote. The action authorizes acceptance of the NG9‑1‑1 grant and the related budget amendment to record both the new state revenue and the matching appropriation. The sheriff’s office said the funds are expected to be completely encumbered in 2025.

Next steps: staff will provide confirmation of the award and a fuller description of technical upgrades from IT personnel before the county executes contracts or begins procurement.