Board of Legislators

The Franklin County Legislature is the governing body of the County.  It exercises a wide variety of administrative, as well as legislative, responsibilities as defined in the New York State Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York.  The Legislature is responsible for establishing County policies, reviewing the administration of government, appropriating funding, levying taxes, reviewing and adopting the annual budget and enacting resolutions and local laws.

Prior to 1970, the County was governed by a nineteen member Board of Supervisors, each representing one of the County’s nineteen towns.  Franklin County is now divided into seven equally populated legislative districts allowing each legislator to represent approximately the same number of people.  Some of the districts encompass more than one municipality.  The resulting seven-member legislature is based on a reapportionment plan that is developed every ten years based on the U.S. Census count.

The County Legislature meets the first and third Thursday of each month in the Legislative Chambers at the Franklin County Court House in Malone, New York.  The Call to Order is 1:30 p.m. from September through May.  During June, July and August the Call to Order is 11:30 a.m.  Prior to the Call to Order, meetings of the Standing Committees are held.  The public is welcome to attend both Regular Meetings and Standing Committee meetings.

The Legislature organizes on an annual basis, at which time a Chairman is elected.  The position of Chairman carries with it considerable responsibility.  The Chairman appoints the members and Chairman of each Standing Committee and is ex-officio member of each Committee.  The Chairman presides over all meetings of the Legislature and represents the County and the Legislature in various capacities