Chautauqua County officials are taking significant steps to address ongoing staffing shortages in the legal department, as highlighted during the Audit & Control Committee meeting on May 22, 2025. The committee discussed the pressing need for additional attorneys, with several departments reporting vacancies that hinder their operations.

County representatives revealed that the legal department is currently seeking to fill at least three attorney positions, while social services require one to two additional attorneys. The public defender's office, however, is notably well-staffed, which is not the norm across the county. This staffing gap has persisted for years, prompting discussions about potential changes to residency requirements for legal positions to attract more candidates.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of these staffing challenges, emphasizing the need for effective recruitment and retention strategies to ensure that the county can adequately serve its residents. The committee expressed hope that adjustments to residency rules could help alleviate these issues.

In addition to staffing discussions, the meeting addressed a resolution to amend the 2025 budget for repairs and replacements of fire-damaged equipment at the landfill. Deputy Director of Public Facilities, Aaron Gustafson, reported on the recovery of insurance funds to cover the costs associated with repairing a landfill compactor and replacing a slope mower that was damaged in a fire incident. The resolution aims to ensure that essential equipment is operational, which is critical for maintaining landfill operations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing staffing shortages in key departments while also managing necessary infrastructure repairs, reflecting a proactive approach to community needs and operational efficiency. As the county moves forward, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping effective solutions for both legal staffing and equipment management.