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Buildings & Grounds

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1. Who do I contact for complaints, building inspections, code enforcement, highway / road problems, tax assessor, or other issues?

That would depend on what municipality you live in. View the County, Town, and Village Directory to view the information on your municipality. If you are unsure which town you live in, visit the map section to the town you reside in by the road you live on.

2. Is there a dump or transfer station in Schuyler County?

The Recycling and Solid Waste Department at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is the service agency who can answer that question for you. Visit their webpage or call them at (607) 535-7161

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Civil Service

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1. How do I know what jobs are available?

Announcements for job openings can be viewed in our jobs section. The titles and minimum qualifications of the positions are posted. This information, as well as applications and examination announcements, is available from the Schuyler County Civil Service Office.

2. What Civil Service Exams are currently being offered?

You can find current exam announcements on the examination page.

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Community Services

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1. What services do you provide?

Services include psychotherapy and counseling for families, couples, parents, children and groups; case management for children and adults; CHANGE Group - a domestic violence program; psychiatric services for children and adults; psychological testing for children and adults; and crisis intervention services during regular business hours.

2. Can I still come if I don't have insurance?

Yes, we can make arrangements for services.

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County Attorney

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1. Can the county attorney's office give advice to the general public or represent them?

No. The county attorney is the legal advisor only to the county legislature and every officer whose compensation is paid from county funds in all matters involving an official act of a civil nature. Individuals seeking legal advice should contact private counsel, through the New York State Bar Association, the Schuyler County Bar Association or other legal referral service of their own choosing.

2. Does the County Attorney's Office accept service by electronic means?

No. The County Attorneys' Office does not accept service by email, fax or other electronic methods.

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County Clerk

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1. Do you issue passports?

Yes, we take the appropriate photos and assist with the application that needs to be sent in to the state.

2. Do you issue hunting & fishing licenses?

Yes, if it has been a number of years since being licensed, applicant would need proof of training or previous issued license.

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County Clerk - EZ Pass

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1. How do I put more money on the tag after I use the initial $25?

When you register your tag, you will be prompted to select either an automatic credit card, check, or cash replenishment.

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Department of Motor Vehicles

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1. What is an enhanced driver’s license?

A license that allows you to cross the border via land or sea into Canada and Mexico. An original birth certificate and social security card and two proofs of your residence are required.

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District Attorney

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1. How do I get a reduction for a traffic offense?

Contact the District Attorney's Office at (607) 535-8383 and request a reduction affidavit form. It will be sent to you immediately. Fill out the form and return it and a reduction will be considered.

2. The perpetrator was ordered to pay me restitution. Why am I not receiving it?

Many defendants are ordered to pay restitution to their victims. Restitution is generally paid to the probation department in installments. The probation department may then hold the funds until there is a sufficient amount to send to the victim. If you are not receiving court ordered restitution, you may contact the probation department at (607) 535-8165 or the District Attorney's Office at 607) 535-8383.

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Emergency Management

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1. How do I request a fire/house number?

To obtain a fire/house number number, the structure must be staked out or completed. Then, complete the House Number Request Form

2. How do I obtain a File of Life?

Schuyler County seniors over age 60 or anyone with medical conditions or disabilities, even children, can receive a FREE File of Life packet by calling the Emergency Management Office at 607-535-8200. File of Life are also available to seniors at the Schuyler County Office for the Aging.

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Highway Department

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1. Do you know where I can get a Schuyler County map?

County maps are available to purchase for $2.50 per map at the County Highway Department. If you would like to have a map mailed to you, please make check payable to “Schuyler County Treasurer” and mail to:
910 S. Decatur St.
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

2. There is a dead animal on my road! Who do I call?

The dead animal removal encompasses only animals that obstruct traffic and are a hazard to the motoring public. For example, a dead deer in the center of a lane would be removed; a dead skunk in the center of the lane would not.
To report a dead deer, please call the following:
County Highways – (607) 535-2531
State Highways – (607) 535-4992
Town Roads – Please call the Town Highway Department involved.
Note: The County Highway Department will have dead deer picked up, in the County right-of-way (typically 25’ from the centerline of the road), on County Roads only (see roads listed on “County Roads” link).

3. The plow damaged my mailbox! Will you replace it?

Only in very limited circumstances (in italics). If your mailbox is in the right-of-way, is in the way of the wing, or side blade of a snowplow, the wet heavy snow thrown from the wing can easily damage a mailbox. Make sure your mailbox is at least 18" from the edge of the shoulder, has a minimum clearance of 42" above the shoulder, and the front doesn't extend beyond the edge of the shoulder. Schuyler County will consider replacing a mailbox if driver error clearly caused the damage to the mailbox assembly.

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Legislature

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1. How do I get a copy of the County, Town, and Village Directory?

This directory is not printed any longer. View it online.

2. Where do I find a copy of the meeting agendas?

You may visit our Agenda Center to view meeting agendas and minutes.

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Office For The Aging

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1. Do I need to schedule an appointment to talk with someone about my needs?

Appointments are recommeded. If you come to the office without one, you may find that the person you need to speak with is not available. Call (607) 535-7108 to schedule your appointment.

2. How much does it cost for a meal?

There is a suggested contribution of $3.00 per meal for anyone age 60 and older as well as their spouse. There is a charge of $6.00 per meal for a guest under the age of 60.

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Probation

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1. What is probation supervision?

Probation supervision is an alternative to incarceration for criminal behavior in the criminal court system or punishment for unacceptable behavior in family court that influences law abiding behavior while allowing the probationer to continue to reside and function in the community.

2. How does probation supervision influence law abiding behavior?

Probation supervision influences law abiding behavior by requiring a probationer to abide by court ordered terms and conditions that restrict a probationer’s behavior and often includes certain treatment requirements.

3. What are some probation terms and conditions?

A probation sentence may include specific supervision terms for probationers such as attending substance abuse treatment, Drug Treatment Court, mental health counseling, sex offender treatment, refraining from entering a bar, submitting to drug or alcohol tests, drivers license restrictions, curfews, community service and paying restitution among other terms as needed. Please see our Terms and Conditions in the Court/Client Forms. Court/Client Forms

4. What are some benefits to defendants on probation supervision?

The obvious benefit to probation supervision is that a person can be held accountable for a crime or poor behavior, and still be able to function within the community without the restrictions of incarceration or detention. Unlike a straight incarceration term or detention, a person placed on probation can continue their employment, take care of their family, earn money to pay restitution, they can attend treatment programs and attend school or college, all while they are monitored by a probation officer and restricted to law abiding behavior.

5. What are some benefits of probation supervision to the community?

Probation supervision lightens the jail population by allowing people to be under supervision instead of locked up in jail. Although a probation sentence can be coupled with a jail term, if all of the current probationers in New York State were placed in jail at this very second, it would add 125,000 people into our already overcrowded local and state correctional system. Another benefit is cost. It costs about $80 a day to incarcerate an individual. It costs less than $6 a day for Schuyler County Probation to supervise a probationer. Probation creates a major savings to the County and State.
See our Performance Based Budget for more beneficial information.

6. How does someone get placed on probation supervision?

There are generally two ways someone can be placed under probation supervision, either through a criminal court sentence or family court order.

In Criminal Court- A person must be charged with a crime. The court will order an informational investigation to be completed by probation. See investigations under General Services. If there is a conviction and it is appropriate, a sentence of probation supervision can be issued by the court. If required or appropriate and there is an adjudication as a youthful offender, a disposition ordering probation supervision can be issued.

In Family Court- A respondent must be found to be a Juvenile Delinquent or Person In Need of Supervision. Refer to our JD and PINS section under General Services. A Pre-Dispositional Investigation is ordered, and if appropriate, the respondent is ordered to probation.
General Services

7. How does Probation Supervision work?

After receiving a court order placing a person on probation, a probation officer is assigned to the case. In Schuyler County, it is usually the same officer that conducted the investigation on the individual. The officer will then contact the probationer and set up an intake appointment. The officer will review what is expected from the probationer as outlined in the court ordered supervision terms, as well as any required office visits, home visits and collateral contacts.

8. What are office visits, home visits and collateral contacts?

These are ways that a probation officer keeps in touch with a probationer and checks up on how they are complying with their terms and conditions. We keep in constant contact with our probationers. They are placed in a supervision level, 1, 2 or 3 and that determines how often they must report to our office to check with their officer. It also determines how often we perform home visits and how many collateral contacts we conduct.

9. What do you do during office visits, home visits and collateral contacts?

Office visits are required to keep in contact with our probationers. A probationer’s address and phone number are typically always verified, standard information is exchanged during office visits such as how the probationer is doing in treatment, at school or work. If problems occur, longer meetings take place to discuss them. Home visits happen less often but are also required in Schuyler County. An officer may visit a probationer’s home at any time they feel it is appropriate. An officer has the authority, per a court order, to verify a probationer’s residence and search their property or person to determine their compliance with their terms. Collateral contacts are when an officer talks with a person affiliated with the probationer. This can be a treatment provider, parent, teacher, employer, police officer, anyone who may have contact with the probationer. All of these functions are performed to make sure the probationer is complying with their terms and conditions as ordered by the court.

10. Is probation supervision the same as parole?

Probation is similar to parole in that there is a supervising officer whom watches over an individual to make sure they are abiding by a set of specific conditions. However, probation supervision is a sentence or sanction ordered by the court for a crime or behavior. Someone on parole has actually been sentenced to a state prison term. Parole supervision may be granted for an inmate to be released from incarceration but allows them to remain under the supervision of a parole officer while they complete their sentence and transitioning back into the community.

11. What can I find out about someone on probation supervision?

Although our department is not bound by the same confidentiality as a medical treatment provider, we still respect the confidentiality of our probationers. Our Officers will not release personal information to anyone about a probationer unless it is related to accomplishing compliance with their sentence requirements. However, our officers can take any information to assist them in supervising our probationers and investigate any tips to discover if a probation violation can be discovered or verified. Contact us at (607)535-8165 or scprobation@co.schuyler.ny.us with any information regarding a current probationer.

12. What is a violation of Probation?

A Violation of Probation is when a probationer does not follow his court ordered terms and conditions.

13. What happens during a violation of probation?

After a probationer has broken a court ordered condition, the supervising probation officer has several options. They may discuss the infraction with the probationer. If the infraction is small and happened once, then the officer may simply discuss the issue with the probationer and pay close attention to the problem making sure it does not happen again. If the infraction is a serious one, or a small but frequent problem, then the officer may file a written notice of violation to the court with a recommendation on what to do with the probationer.

14. What types of recommendations can be made for a violation of probation?

A probation officer must always include a recommendation as to the disposition of a case when filing a violation. The officer should be very familiar with the case and should have the best knowledge on what outcome would be most beneficial in a violation. Recommendations could include reengaging in a treatment program, a short term of incarceration with probation continued, community service, and even revocation of probation supervision followed by a new sentence of incarceration.

15. What are typical lengths of probation supervision?

The typical terms for probation are 3 years supervision for a misdemeanor, 5 years probation for a felony, 6 years probation for a misdemeanor sex offense and 10 years probation for a felony sex offense.

16. Can a person be released from probation supervision early?

Yes. The court holding jurisdiction is the only authority that can grant an early discharge from probation supervision. The policy of Schuyler County Probation is that a probationer must serve at a minimum, one half of their term of probation and be in good standing with their court orders before an early discharge can be recommended from a probation officer to the court.

17. Are probation officers the same as police officers?

No, police and probation officers are different. Police Officers have authority over a population of people that are within a geographical jurisdiction, usually a township, county or state. Police enforce all laws, and are required to act when a law is broken on and off duty. A probation officer is defined as a peace officer under Criminal Procedure Law 2.10. Probation officers have authority over people that are ordered to probation supervision. Probation officers enforce very specific laws and probation orders over their probationers and are not required to immediately act if a probation term is broken when off duty.

18. What type of powers or authority do probation officers have?

Probation Officers powers are defined under Criminal Procedural Law 2.20, powers of arrest can be found in CPL 140.25, searches under CPL 410.50 and use of physical force and deadly physical force under Penal Law article 35.30.

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Public Defender

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1. What matters are attorneys assigned to represent clients on?

The Schuyler County Public Defender may represent clients on:

• Penal law violations
  
• Misdemeanors
  
• Felonies
  
• Parole hearings
  
• SORA hearings
  
• Most custody / visitation matters
  
• Neglect
  
• Support violations

2. How do I get a public defender or court appointed attorney?

Applications are available in the Public Defender's Office, on-line, and at any Town/ Village Court.

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Public Health

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1. I have a bat in my house – what do I do?

First you need to determine if a person, pet or livestock may have had contact with the bat. Contact is considered to be a bite, scratch or other physical contact. If contact occurred immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention and contact Schuyler County Public Health Department or your own county health department. If contact did not occur as described above, determine if possible contact occurred. The possibility of contact exists if a bat may have been close to an unattended child, a person who was sleeping, a person with a sensory or mental impairment, or a pet. If it is determined a contact or possible contact has occurred the bat needs to be caught being careful not to damage the head for testing. Contact Schuyler County Health Department (607) 535-8140 or after hours (607) 535-8222. If it is determined there was contact or possible contact, open a window and let the bat out.

2. My child’s immunizations are off schedule – how do I get them caught up?

There is what we call a “catch-up schedule”, which was developed by the CDC, that aids medical personnel in determining the best way to catch a child who has gotten off schedule, as quickly as possible, especially if the child cannot attend school until they have had an appropriate number of vaccines. The local primary care providers will consult with Schuyler Public Health when planning a catch-up plan for your child. View the catch-up schedule.

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Purchasing

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1. How do I request a FOIL report?

Download the FOIL Request Form.

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Real Property Tax Office

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1. Do I have to apply for STAR every year?

The Basic STAR exemption requires only one application. However, taxpayers over 65 years of age who qualify for the Enhanced STAR exemption must renew annually unless they participate in the Income Verification Program. View more information on applying for the STAR exemption.

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Sheriff

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1. How can I report a crime?

Call the Sheriff Department's main telephone number 607-535-8222, or in an emergency dial 911.

2. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes. You can call the Tip Line at 607-535-8224.

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Watershed

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1. How do I replace a septic systems on an existing home?

Follow the link: Replacement Systems

2. What do I need for constructing a new home?

Follow the link: Building on Previously Undeveloped Land

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Weights & Measures

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1. I am thinking about opening a business and need to know what, if any, weights and measures regulations will affect me?

Most businesses are to some degree affected by weights and measures laws. This will vary on the type of business. In general if you will be using any type of weighing and measuring device you will be directly affected. If you will be packaging commodities you will need to know packaging and labeling, and net quantity regulations and requirements.

2. What is a weighing and measuring device?

This is a term that we use to describe equipment or devices such as scales, gas pumps, or meters that weighs or measure commodities in the course of trade or business.

3. So I’ve decided to buy a scale for my business. Where do I start?

Determine the method of sale for your product - will you be prepackaging commodities or selling directly to the customer over the scale? The Weights & Measures office can help guide you through the steps in selecting a suitable scale that meets all applicable laws. We will NOT recommend one scale manufacturer over another, but we can give you several options of type-approved scales that are routinely found in businesses such as yours.

4. Do I need a commercial scale which is approved and legal-for-trade in order to conduct business?

If your business buys or sells any commodity or service by weight in NYS you are required to have an approved, ‘legal-for-trade’ device on which to conduct sales by weight.

5. What constitutes a ‘legal-for-trade’ scale?

A ‘legal-for-trade’ scale is one which is approved by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) and the NYS Weights and Measures Department. ‘Legal for trade’ devices will have an accuracy class designation, the most common being class II or III. This designation will be on the scale, usually on the serial plate.

6. How do I know if a scale is ‘legal-for-trade'?

If you have any doubts as to whether the scale you are going to purchase is legal for commercial use in NYS, please contact the Weights and Measures office for assistance.

7. Can I use my new scale for commercial transactions right out of the package?

No. A scale intended to be used commercially must first be inspected, tested, and sealed by the Weights and Measures Department.

8. How often do you check commercial Weighing and Measuring devices and gas stations?

We inspect all W&M devices annually. However, if your business purchases a new device during the year or you have repairs done on your current device then you MUST contact the W&M office for a device test / seal prior to reusing.

9. How much does it cost for me to get my scale tested each year?

At the present time there is not a fee for testing W&M devices in Schuyler and Chemung counties.

10. What steps can I take to prevent being cheated at a gas station?

Verify that the advertised sign and the pump price are the same. Make sure the pump starts at zero. Make sure a current Weights and Measures seal is visible on the pump.

11. I've seen blue or yellow square stickers on gas pumps. Why are they there?

The "stickers" you refer to are known as "Approval Seals". These seals are required by NYS state W&M law. They are placed there by a county weights and measures official after the gas pump has been tested and found to be accurate and in compliance with all weights and measures requirements. The seal is an indication that weights and measures officials are ensuring customers are getting the gas they are paying for.

12. I have a one-gallon container, and I purchased one gallon of gasoline, but it did not fill my container all the way. Why not?

If you are concerned that the pump is not measuring the fuel accurately, Weights and Measures can certainly test it. However, portable gasoline containers are manufactured to hold more than the labeled quantity, to allow for expansion of the gasoline, and for safety reasons. Also, the containers and the markings on these containers are not as accurate as test containers used by W&M.

13. Why are there so many options for gasoline octane such as 87, 89 and 93? What is an octane rating and why is it important?

The fuel's octane number is a measure of gasoline's antiknock performance - its ability to resist knocking (a metallic pinging sound) as it burns in a vehicle's engine. When you compare gasoline prices among stations, be careful to compare prices for the same octane. Check your vehicle owner's manual to see which octane the manufacturer recommends.

14. What steps can I take to prevent being shorted on a weighing or measuring device?

Make sure the device is on a level surface and that you can see the display. The instrument must start at zero. There should not be anything touching the device. Watch the person doing the weighing or measuring to make sure that nothing extra is added. Verify that there is a current Weights and Measures seal on the device.

15. How can I avoid being overcharged at the register?

The best way to avoid being overcharged is to make a list of all the items you are going to purchase, and write down the shelf prices. Compare the prices you wrote down to the prices you are charged.

16. What should I do if I am overcharged?

If there is a discrepancy, notify the cashier. If the cashier does not change the price, talk to the manager about your dilemma. If the manager cannot or will not change the price for you, contact our department.

17. I found out when I got home that I had been overcharged for several items at a local store. The store flyer advertised prices that were lower than what the scanner charged me. What can I do?

First, contact the manager of the store with your receipts and give him a chance to correct the problem. Second, contact the Weights & Measures who will inspect the store to determine the extent of the problem and take any necessary action to ensure accurate pricing.

18. There seems to be many different ways people sell firewood. What laws do firewood sellers need to follow and how do I know I’m not getting cheated on my delivery?

Refer to the NYS W&M website. The website includes all the information you will need to understand the laws and regulations for buying/selling firewood.

19. I think some of the commodities I buy don't weigh what they say. Where do I complain?

Contact the Weights & Measures Department and explain the problems you are having, give the name of the business and the products you suspect are short weight. W&M will conduct an inspection at the location and take action to correct any discrepancies that are found.

20. I want to make a complaint, but I don't want the business to know that I was the one who made it. What do I do?

All complaints made to the Schuyler and Chemung County W&M departments are anonymous.

21. I want to make and sell homemade fudge at the farm market; do I have to put a label with the weight on it?

Yes, if the fudge is pre-packaged prior to sale. Candy of this type must be sold by net weight, not by the "piece." Weights & Measures can furnish you with detailed information on all the labeling requirements for specific packaged commodities for fudge and other farm market commodities.

22. When I buy a package of meat in a supermarket do I pay for the plastic tray and the wrappings?

No. You should only be charged for the product you are purchasing. This is called "net weight." Anything in a package other than the actual product is called "tare," and this package weight (wrapping, soakers, and labels) must be deducted from the total weight of the package. Selling a product by gross weight (net weight plus tare weight) is illegal.

23. In our local paper there is an advertisement for a traveling gold buying event coming to my town and setting up in a local hotel. Are these legit businesses?

All transient businesses that come into the county must adhere to the same W&M regulations as permanent county businesses. They must give prior notification to the W&M department when they are coming. All scales used by these businesses must be type-approved, tested and sealed. W&M will visit the locations prior to the opening of their event to test and seal their scales.

24. There is a store down the road that is using a scale with no county approval seal on it. Why wasn’t this scale tested? How do I know it is accurate?

While the Weights & Measures Department attempts to test and certify all devices on an annual basis, some devices are occasionally overlooked. Your call will alert us to the problem which will result in the device being approved, tested, and sealed.

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Youth Bureau

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1. What does the youth bureau do?

The Schuyler County Youth Bureau plans coordinates and supplements the activities of public, private or religious agency that is devoted to the well-being or protection of youth. The Youth Bureau supports positive youth development for every youth in the Schuyler County.

The Youth Bureau provides the following programs: Youth Court, the Family Play and Resource Center, and Summer Youth Employment. Funded programs included town and village recreation programs, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and Strengthening Families parenting curriculum.

2. Where does the funding come from and what is it used for?

The Youth Bureau receives funding from the Office of Children and Family Services, Schuyler County United Way, other governmental departments and local tax dollars.

This funding is used to support the youth programs operated by the public, private or religious agencies and the Youth Bureau.