Monticello, NY – Sullivan County lawmakers are not in a hiring mood, right now, but Sheriff Michael Schiff is telling the county legislature he will need extra help, with the unofficial start of summer less than a month away.

Sullivan County’s population typically more than doubles during the summer, with seasonal residents and short-term visitors. Schiff said current events elsewhere have him a bit more apprehensive this year.

“Things are moving along in the country and the world, I don’t know what to expect this summer … problems we’ve been having on the Mexican border, hopefully that won’t be exported.”

Some legislators noted events closer to home, including the failed car bomb attempt in New York City two weekends. The confessed suspect traveled to a fireworks store, less than 15 miles from the Sullivan County border, to buy what he thought would be firecrackers that would detonate his crudely made bomb.

The sheriff said extra vigilance will be needed, but he is shorthanded. Schiff told the legislature he wants the 90-day employees that he usually asks for in the summer. “We do have the money in the budget,” he said.

“This summer, especially, we’re going to be in trouble,” said Schiff. “We’ve got seven employees out for various reasons.”

Public Safety Committee Chairwoman Leni Binder noted this is one request that can be expedited.

“So we’re using pre-trained people on a temporary situation to fill in.”

County Manager David Fanslau, however, said they need to be sure the money is there. He noted there is not a specific appropriation, in the budget, for the summer temps, but, the sheriff has identified funds available from other unfilled positions.

(Source: MidHudsonNews)