County Accepts State Funds for Public Health Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness; New Dem. Election Commissioner Appointed

by Thomas Dimopoulos

Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on July 18 held their monthly meeting at the county complex in Ballston Spa.

The meeting began with an observed moment of silence in memory of longtime town of Saratoga Supervisor Tom Wood, who died on July 10. Ian Murray, previously deputy supervisor, was welcomed by the Board to complete Wood’s term as town supervisor.

Among the resolutions approved by the Board:

• The Board approved the acceptance of nearly $700,000 in grant funding from the State Department of Health to upgrade the county’s public health care system over a five-year period.

The grant in the amount of $136,944 per year, is effective Dec. 1, 2022, through Nov. 30, 2027 and totals $684,720 in all, to “create a stronger, more resilient public health care system that is prepared to respond to future health care crises.”

The funding, according to the county Board resolution, is to be used in strengthening public health infrastructure, workforce and data systems.

With the acceptance of the state funding, the Board approved amending the 2023 Saratoga County Budget to allow the $136,944 increase this calendar year and to increase a variety of appropriations, including: Furniture and Furnishings

- $15,000; Office Equipment$5,000; Personal Computers$18,900; Building Components

- $8,000; Other Capital Expenses

- $31,169; Other Professional Services - $40,000; Misc. Dept. Expense - $5,500; Conference Fees $3,000; Software $9,850; Minor IT Equipment $525.

• The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors additionally approved the acceptance of $231,894 in grant funding from the state DOH to be used for Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program activities for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. No further details were provided with the resolution.

• Cassandra M. Bagramian was appointed Commissioner of Elections for Saratoga County, in according with a Board resolution July 18. Bagramian’s appointment, at a salary of $91,800, takes effect Sept. 15 and concludes Dec. 31, 2024, fulfilling the remaining term of William Fruci, who is retiring. The appointment of Bagramian, a Democrat, comes via recommendation of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. Roger J. Schiera, a Republican, is the other Commissioner of Elections for Saratoga County.

Michael F. Marko

MALTA — Michael F. Marko died July 12, 2023. Calling hours were held Monday, July 17 at Compassionate Funeral Care. A mass service was held Tuesday, July 18 at St. Clement’s Church followed by interment at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Jose Antonio Valencia Benitez

WILTON — Jose Antonio

(Tony) Valencia Benitez of Wilton died July 8. A celebration of life will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 from 1 to 3:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. following the celebration of life. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Lorraine Anna DeMarco

1932. She was the daughter of the late Anna Petralia, the late Alan Standish, and was the sister of the late June (James) MacDonald.

Lorraine is survived by her loving children, daughter Toni (David) Holbrook, son, Carl (Mary) DeMarco, Jr. and son, William (Claudia) DeMarco.

Lorraine loved her grandchildren, Jesse (Ali) von Glück, Alyssa (Matt) Nye and Teva Glueck. Lorraine cherished her great-grandchildren, Max von Glück and Emmett Nye.

Mary Rose Eckardt

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Rose Eckardt died July 14, 2023. Calling hours were held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. A mass followed at 11 a.m. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Jesse T. Ogle

MECHANICVILLE — Jesse T. Ogle, 42 passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2023. Calling hours are 4-7 p.m., Friday, July 21, Burke funeral home, followed by a funeral home service. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com to read

Jesse’s full obituary, as well as leave online condolences.