Schuyler appoints new attorney

    SCHUYLER COUNTY—The Schuyler County Legislature appointed Geoffery B. Rossi to a four year term as county attorney at a special meeting of the legislature held on Friday, Jan. 13. Rossi joins the county after working as a staff attorney with the New York Attorney General’s Office. His salary will be $98,000 annually.
    The county attorney application process included interviews, a general reference check, a more extensive background check performed by law enforcement, review of certified transcripts, and a credit check said county Administrator Tim O’Hearn. In a relaxed meeting, the legislators agreed it was a long process, they were glad it had concluded, and they all seemed satisfied with the hire.
    Another attorney in the county attorney’s office, Rachel Boruchowitz, submitted her resignation effective Jan. 13. The legislature approved a limited contract with Boruchowitz which will allow her to complete any cases she is currently handling.
    Legislator Phil Barnes was concerned about the rate of pay of $100 per hour that Boruchowitz will be receiving under the contract. O’Hearn explained “it is unlikely that we will use her much at all.”  The legislature voted to set a $5,000 cap to the contract.  Chairman Dennis Fagan explained that because the new county attorney is not starting immediately, the department will be under budget and can afford this contract.
    Rossi will formally begin working for the county in early February. The county will also be hiring a new secretary for the office. Rossi was not present for the special meeting. Assistant County Attorney Kristin Hazlitt will remain in the assistant role but will continue to act as county attorney until Rossi arrives.
The next meeting of the legislature is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13, in the legislative chambers.