At the Yates County Legislature’s final meeting of 2024, officials tackled key financial audits, addressed ongoing ambulance service funding concerns, and reflected on the past year while preparing for 2025.
During public comment, Paul Moberg, a councilman from the Town of Potter, raised concerns about inequities in ambulance service funding. Hoberg highlighted that half of Potter is served by Penn Yan Ambulance, which operates without a direct tax on residents, while the other half relies on Middlesex Ambulance, which carries a tax burden of approximately 70 cents per $1,000 of property value. He expressed frustration over what he described as “double taxation,” where Potter residents effectively pay both county taxes for ambulance services and local taxes for Middlesex Ambulance.
Discussions revealed a broader issue of volunteer shortages and rising costs impacting ambulance operations across the county.
In response, legislators acknowledged the challenges but did not present immediate solutions. Some suggested exploring potential subsidies or restructuring the funding model to ensure fairness across districts. Discussions are expected to continue at upcoming committee meetings.
The legislature also reviewed financial audits across multiple departments. The audits collectively totaled $870,866.65, spanning sectors including public safety, human services, public works, and administration. The motion to approve payment of the bills passed unanimously.
Several resolutions were adopted, including renewing contracts for lab services and approving agreements with nurse practitioners and physicians serving county facilities. The legislature also authorized budget transfers, tax rate amendments, and updates to the non-union employee salary schedule for 2025.
On the infrastructure front, discussions included updates on airport improvement projects, including the perimeter fence and taxiway rehabilitation. Engineering firms have been engaged to provide independent cost estimates for these projects, with final applications expected in early 2024.
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