The Seneca County Board of Supervisors’ Human Resources Committee has voted to leave two positions in the Sheriff’s Office unfilled.
This week’s decision affects a dedicated investigator role focused on family offenses and child abuse cases, along with a deputy sheriff position intended as a backfill.
Undersheriff Melinda Marquart had pushed to fill the positions, saying the department’s workload has increased and the specialized investigator role is needed. She noted the office handled about 25-thousand calls in 2025, up from 23-thousand in 2023.
Committee members, however, said current staffing levels are sufficient and cited budget concerns, including a recent tax increase and a declining working-age population.
The vote was unanimous among members present.
Sheriff Tim Thompson, who did not attend the meeting, said in a statement to the Finger Lakes Times that he was disappointed with the decision, noting the positions were already included in the county budget.
The committee did approve filling four other county positions, including three in Human Services and one in Facilities. The full Board of Supervisors will make the final decision.
