The Yates County Legislature met earlier this week, discussing a range of issues, including the future of public transportation there. The legislature also received an update on broadband expansion efforts and budget allocations.
Public transportation debate: YTS vs. RTS
A major discussion centered on the future of Yates County’s public transportation. Representatives from Yates Transit Service proposed delaying a vote that would transition the county’s public transit operations to the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. YTS, which has been operating in the county since 2017, argued for an open bid process to evaluate all potential providers before making a decision.
Tammy Slayton, senior vice president of administration for Mosaic, YTS’s parent organization, emphasized that YTS has provided more than 235,000 rides and traveled over 1.2 million miles without direct county funding. The organization offered to purchase buses outright and cover operational costs, provided that Yates County acts as the official owner to qualify for state reimbursement.
Legislators raised concerns about long-term costs, insurance liabilities, and the structure of bus ownership. Some members expressed interest in seeing an official Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure a fair comparison between YTS, RTS, and other providers. The legislature ultimately decided to table the resolution and gather more information before moving forward.
Broadband expansion and infrastructure investments
The Southern Tier Network presented updates on its broadband expansion project, funded in part by an $18.2 million state grant. STN is working to extend fiber-optic service to underserved areas, with plans to connect 4,200 homes across five towns.
STN representatives explained that construction is already underway, and the first phase of the project is set to go live in Smithboro, N.Y. Legislators discussed ways to integrate existing county-owned fiber infrastructure into the expansion. Some expressed concerns about ensuring Yates County receives maximum benefits from its previous broadband investments.
Tax increase and budget allocations
During public comments, a village trustee addressed concerns about rising taxes in Penn Yan, stating that while county taxes had decreased, village taxes were increasing. The trustee also inquired about the county’s sales tax revenue goals and suggested initiatives to boost local business engagement.
Legislators later reviewed and approved a series of budget resolutions, including adjustments to grant funding and employee salaries. Discussions also touched on the rising costs of maintaining county facilities and services.
Grant allocations for additional projects
The legislature allocated funding to several community projects through its Natural and Recreational Resource Protection grant program. Funded initiatives include:
- $7,500 for a lake-level management study
- $10,000 for a youth mentorship program
- $35,677 for playground improvements at Indian Pines Park
- $3,979 to support conservation work by Friends of the Outlet
Though the grant committee could not fully fund every request, legislators expressed interest in supporting additional projects in the future.
Executive session and additional business
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss matters related to public safety and labor negotiations.
Yates County officials are expected to revisit the public transit decision and broadband expansion strategies in upcoming sessions as they weigh their long-term implications.
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