REQUEST FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Description (e.g., Contract Authorization for Information Services):
title
The Mental Health Department requests permission to amend our 2026 budget in order to enhance eight positions at the Albany County Correctional Facility.
body
Date: 7/29/26
Department: Mental Health
Attending Meeting: Dr. Stephen Giordano, Commissioner
Submitted By: Mark Gleason
Title: Budget Analyst
Phone: 518.447.3014
Purpose of Request: Budget Amendment Enter text.
CONTRACT TERMS/CONDITIONS:
Party Names and Addresses:
Albany County Correctional Facility, 840 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211
Term: (Start/end date or duration) 1/1/2026-12/31/2026
Amount/Raise Schedule/Fee: $177,522
BUDGET INFORMATION:
Is there a Fiscal Impact: YES
Anticipated in Budget: NO
Spreadsheet attached: YES
Source of Funding - (Percentages)
Federal: Enter text. County: 100%
State: Enter text. Local: Enter text.
County Budget Accounts:
Revenue Account and Line: Enter text.
Revenue Amount: Enter text.
Appropriation Account and Line: See attached budget amendment
Appropriation Amount: $177,522
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mandated Program/Service: NO
If Mandated, Cite Authority: Enter text.
Request for Bids / Proposals:
Competitive Bidding Exempt: NO
# of Response(s): Enter text.
# of MWBE: Enter text.
# of Veteran Business: Enter text.
Bond Resolution No.: Enter text.
Apprenticeship Program NO
Previous requests for Identical or Similar Action:
Resolution/Law Number and Date: Enter text.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: (state briefly why legislative action is requested)
The Mental Health Department requests permission to amend our 2026 budget in order to enhance eight positions at the Albany County Correctional Facility. It has become increasingly challenging to recruit and retain individuals working in these capacities. In order to best serve individuals in Albany County who suffer from severe and persistent behavioral health challenges, it is essential that we have qualified professionals. We are proposing to utilize nine existing lines to support these enhancements. The requested title adjustment and salary modification are necessary to align the position classification and compensation with the actual duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the role. The current title does not accurately distinguish the specialized work performed within the Mental Health Unit from similar positions assigned to other units. The Mental Health Unit operates within a unique correctional environment, serving individuals with significant and complex mental health needs that require specialized clinical intervention, crisis management, and ongoing coordination. The proposed title change will better reflect the distinct responsibilities and Civil Service job expectations of the position, while the salary adjustment will support recruitment and retention by aligning compensation with comparable roles and the increased demands of the work.