FIRST ON 13: Former Saratoga Springs public works commissioner, deputy accused of official misconduct

The former public works commissioner for Saratoga Springs and the current deputy commissioner have been charged with official misconduct.

Saratoga Springs Police issued tickets to Jason Golub and Deputy Public Works Commissioner Joseph O’Neill on Nov. 1. Golub and O’Neill are accused of using city services and/or employees for their personal benefit.

They are both set to appear in Saratoga Springs City Court on Nov. 21.

Golub’s attorney Karl Sleight, said it is his understanding that the allegation is based on a clogged sink, a jug of Draino and 8 minutes of assistance from a city DPW worker. “Criminalizing this raises grave concerns regarding the motivation and judgment of those who decided to make this allegation,” he told NewsChannel 13.

 City Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran also issued a statement on the matter calling it “deeply troubling” that Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll and the police department intend to charge Golub with a crime based on this.

“This is more about the City’s law enforcement priorities and suspect motivations. We have reached a new low in the City.”

“It is my understanding that the AG is already aware of and looking into this,” he added.

Golub resigned in July to take a job with the state Department of Corrections.

In 2022, he became the first Black person to serve on the council.

Saratoga Springs Police had no further comment on the matter.

Commissioner Tim Coll said the matter originated with the New York State Comptroller’s Office. It was referred to State Police and then to Saratoga Springs Police.

“The Public Safety Commissioner in Saratoga Springs is not a sworn law enforcement officer and cannot direct the SSPD to charge anyone.  Having said that, I fully support SSPD’s decision,” Coll said in an email.