Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for the video of Tuesday’s meeting scroll to the bottom of this story.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors held its monthly committee meetings on March 25, addressing issues across finance, infrastructure, public safety, and government operations. Discussions centered on infrastructure investment, tax roll extensions, public safety enhancements, and long-term fiscal oversight.
Ways & Means Committee: Fiscal Management and Tax Roll Extensions
The committee approved resolutions to extend tax rolls and bill extract files for school districts in Phelps/Clifton, Romulus, Seneca Falls, South Seneca, Trumansburg, and Waterloo, as well as for local villages. These actions ensure timely administration of school and municipal tax collections.
Supervisors also approved a Home Rule request for the extension of the county’s additional 1% sales tax, ensuring continued revenue for essential county services. Additionally, an amendment to the statewide Hurrell-Harring Reform Grant was approved, increasing funding for indigent legal services in Seneca County by $309,308.63, bringing the total grant to over $5.46 million for a three-year period.
A financial report revealed an increase in overtime costs across county departments, prompting discussions on stricter budget oversight. Several supervisors voiced concerns about the sustainability of overtime spending, emphasizing that departmental heads must monitor expenses closely to prevent budget overruns later in the year.
Public Works Committee: Bridge Repairs and Equipment Purchases
The Public Works Committee approved the release of bids for bridge repairs on two county bridges, including one flagged by the state for structural concerns. Funding is expected to come from the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) to mitigate county costs.
Other approvals included:
- The purchase of a 2026 International 10-Wheel Dump Truck for $318,672.95, replacing a previously ordered Freightliner that was canceled due to supply chain issues.
- The purchase of a new forklift for the Highway Department for $52,977.
- Declaring surplus vehicles and authorizing their sale via online auction, with proceeds directed back to the county’s general fund.
- Transferring two surplus Kubota tractors, one to the Seneca County Airport and another to the Town of Varick for municipal use.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice: Firearm Trade-In for Sheriff’s Office
The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee approved a measure allowing the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office to trade in outdated firearms through AmChar, the department’s sole distributor. The department maintains a structured replacement plan for firearms, and the trade-in program helps offset the costs of purchasing new equipment.
Human Resources & Government Operations: Workforce Adjustments and Policy Considerations
Supervisors approved refilling two key positions:
- Principal Social Welfare Examiner in the Department of Human Services.
- Principal Account Clerk in the Finance Department.
A proposed local law, The Seneca County Hotel or Motel Occupancy Tax, 2025, was tabled for further review. The law seeks to refine tax collection procedures and expand revenue uses to promote tourism and infrastructure improvements. The board has until June to finalize the proposal.
A discussion on the feasibility of establishing a countywide assessor’s office gained traction. Several supervisors noted that consolidating local assessment services under a county umbrella could improve efficiency, ensure uniform property assessments, and create a sustainable succession plan for assessors across townships. The board agreed to explore the idea further.
Water & Sewer Management: Infrastructure Planning and Grant Applications
The Water & Sewer Treatment Management & Operations Committee authorized the county’s submission of a New York State Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant. If awarded, the grant will fund assessments of sanitary sewer pump stations and aging sewer lines to develop long-term improvement strategies. The county will be responsible for a 20% funding match.
Supervisors also discussed the need for long-overdue repairs and maintenance at various water infrastructure points, particularly issues at the former Willard Psychiatric Center. Some members expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing long-standing leaks and system inefficiencies.
Looking Ahead
With major financial and infrastructure decisions pending, the Board of Supervisors continues to assess funding strategies, cost-saving measures, and long-term policy adjustments. Upcoming discussions will focus on:
- The finalization of the countywide assessor program feasibility study.
- The implementation of stricter overtime spending controls.
- Planning for countywide revaluation schedules to ensure property assessments remain current and equitable.
Watch The Meeting
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