LITTLE VALLEY — Olean attorney Eric Firkel was named by Cattaraugus County lawmakers Wednesday to succeed M. Mark Howden as county attorney.
Firkel’s appointment had the unanimous approval of the 17 members of the Cattaraugus County Legislature. He will receive a bi-weekly salary of $4,644.
Firkel’s appointment is effective Jan. 1. His term expires Dec. 31, 2019.
Firkel was appointed to three years of the unexpired term of Howden, who was elected county judge in November. Howden will replace Family Court Judge Michael Nenno, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Howden replaced Thomas Brady in 2015. Brady has been serving as a deputy county attorney.
Howden thanked legislators for their support and expressed confidence in his successor.
Legislators also appointed Anthony Turano acting Social Services commissioner while Commissioner Daniel Piccioli is on extended sick leave. Piccioli, who suffered a spinal injury at his home in August, returned to his home from a Pittsburgh hospital last month.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, a local law authorizing 2 percent wage increases for most department heads was approved without comment. All legislators had agreed to sponsor the local law. No one spoke at an earlier public hearing.
Legislators also authorized an agreement with part-time employees for 2 percent wage increases effective Jan. 1 2017.
Local laws were also approved increasing fees charged by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and day rates for private patients at the county nursing homes.
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