County Leg extends contract with Jack Welch as CAO for 5 more years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jack Welch was officially appointed as the county’s chief administrative officer on March 25, 2020. He agreed to a five-year extension last week.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has extended the contract with its chief administrative officer for another five years.

Jack Welch has served in the role as head of the county government since March 25, 2020. He was previously the county’s director of personnel and self-insurance since 2004.

Welch also serves as the county’s budget officer. The county budget for 2023 totals $93 million. There are about 440 county employees in more than 20 departments.

Lynne Johnson, the Legislature chairwoman, praised Welch for seeing the county government through the Covid-19 crisis and helping push through capital projects, in addition to the day-to-day demands of the position.

“The Legislature is thrilled with the job Jack has done,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day county government is about providing services to people while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. On that measurement, I think Orleans County would be at the top of the list of any best-run counties in New York. That’s how strongly we feel about Jack and his leadership.”

The current salary for the CAO is $127,040. The position is within the Management Compensation Plan that calls for 2 percent increases for 2024 and then in 2025.

The county faces many challenges “and things never get easier,” Johnson said. “But we have the right guy in Jack Welch to work with a Legislature to meet these challenges.”

Welch, a Holley resident, was praised by County Legislator Fred Miller for being “super organized and very timely.” Miller is the lone Democrat on the County Legislature.

Welch presents options for legislators to help the group make decisions.

“You can count on him,” Miller said. “He is very punctual with everything that has to be done at a certain time. He has strong organizational skills.”

Welch succeeded Chuck Nesbitt who was in the role for 14 ½ years. Miller said it is challenging to fill many positions in the workforce today, especially a top administrator. The contract extension with Welch maintains stability in a key position, county legislators said.

Welch, county legislators and department heads are in midst of the budget preparation for the 2024 county budget. The annual spending plan is typically adopted in late November or early December.

“I strive to make a positive influence in the municipal operations of Orleans County that balances the needs of our residents and the needs of our taxpayers and the needs of our employees,” Welch said. “All three stakeholders’ interests must be taken into consideration as we make adjustments to our operations. I hope and believe I am making a positive difference as we serve our residents on a day-to-day basis.”

Jack Welch speaks with Carlton residents on Tuesday during a meeting about garbage collection on narrow private lanes. About 125 people attended that meeting at the Rec Hall.