Saratoga County approved contract with arrested psychologist because his rates were the cheapest

 

According to the September 8, 2009 minutes of the Saratoga County Public Safety Committee, Dr. Steven B. Feldman, who was arrested Friday for having phony credentials, was hired to do work for the county because his rates were the least expensive. The county hired Feldman to do psychological evaluations for the Saratoga County Family Court. Two other psychologists under contract to the county were rarely utilized, regardless of their credentials or expertise, because their rates were higher. Even Feldman, however, exceeded his contract amount of $10,000.

Saratoga County Public Defender, John Ciulla, testified at the meeting.

The minutes stated that:

"Mr. Ciulla said last year, their $10,000 contract with Dr. Feldman was used up before the end of the year. In keeping what has been going on in Family Court, we have used the money up already, he said. We are proposing instead of doing a limited contract, we will do a general contract with him, he said. He said they currently have three psychologists under contract to provide evaluations, and he asked them to update their current fees. Dr. Feldman is the least expensive and the preferred choice, he said. To prevent me coming back here year after year to expand this contract, it was suggested we just have a regular contract, he stated. Mr. Hellwig said the rates will dictate the cost. As long as he does not go above the rate for the evaluations, it will be indefinite, he said. For a higher rate, he will have to come back, he added. Mr. Rider said the Board approves the contract at a certain rate, and  the budget will set how much money he has to spend each year. If the Dr. wants more money, the Board will have to approve that. Mr. Ciulla said he does have minor contracts with two other vendors, but their prices are more, and that is why we prefer to use Dr. Feldman. Mr. Grattidge moved to authorize an on-going contract with Dr. Feldman. Mr. Wright seconded. Unanimous." (emphasis added)

In the Proceedings of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors of January 20, 2009, the following resolution was passed requesting an additional $875 to pay Feldman.

"RESOLUTION 25 - 09
Introduced by Supervisors Wormuth, Barrett, Connelly, Grattidge, Jenkins, Rowland and Wright
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO MINOR CONTRACT WITH STEVEN B. FELDMAN, PSYD, PHD,
DAPA, LMHC FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE WHEREAS, Article 18B of the County Law requires counties to supply counsel, investigators, expert and other services to persons charged with a crime who are financially unable to obtain these services; and WHEREAS, our Public Defender from time to time requires psychological services to assist in the defense of persons represented by that office who are financially unable to obtain these services; and WHEREAS, the County has a contract with Steven B. Feldman, PSYD, PHD, DAPA, LMHC to provide psychological services to indigent defendants represented by the Public Defender’s Office, not to exceed $10,000; and WHEREAS, the cost of Dr. Feldman’s services in 2008 exceeded the authorized $10,000, and an amendment to his contract is required to authorize payment of an additional $875 for his services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Board is authorized to execute an Amendment to the Minor Contract with
Steven B. Feldman, PsyD, PhD, DAPA, LMHC, of Ballston Spa, New York to provide psychological services to the Public Defender on behalf of persons being represented by that office for a sum not to exceed an additional $875, the form and substance of said Agreement subject to approval of the County Attorney and the Contract Administrator.
BUDGET IMPACT STATEMENT: The additional $875 expense can be covered within the 2008 budget."

Feldman is not a licensed psychologist in New York State but is a licensed mental health counselor. It is not clear how the New York State Office of the Professions issued Feldman a license to be a mental health counselor as an appropriate advanced degree is required for licensing in New York State.

 For more info: 

Read about the arrest of Steven B. Feldman.

Read about Saratoga County Family Court Judge, Gilbert Abramson.

Photo Credit: Saratoga County Courthouse from the Unified New York State Court System.