The Ontario County Board of Supervisors advanced a wide-ranging agenda at its last meeting, approving a series of environmental, health, and infrastructure initiatives while fielding concerns from residents about looming cuts to youth and veterans’ programs.
Held at the county’s Sessions Room in Canandaigua, the meeting opened with public comments that underscored the human impact of recent funding threats. Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of The Partnership for Ontario County, and Tina Rossman, director of youth programs, urged the Board to advocate for continued funding for the Epic Zone Youth Clubhouses and Veterans Coalition. The appeal came after the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports warned of possible federal grant cuts from SAMHSA.
Rossman recounted stories of lives impacted by the clubhouses, while Kate Ott, director of Public Health and a Partnership board member, called the programs “critical” to the community. “This is about real people and real services,” she said.
Environmental and Solid Waste Initiatives Move Forward
Environmental sustainability dominated the resolutions passed during the session. Supervisors approved:
- A $30,000 contract with Enviro World Corp. to implement a backyard composting program.
- Acceptance of $68,104 in grant funds from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to support education and recycling coordination efforts.
- An $83,000 contract with Barton & Loguidice to update the County’s Local Solid Waste Management Plan and strategic roadmap for the Department of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management.
- A $100,000 one-time contract with the Town of Geneva to support a new community reuse program.
These actions align with Ontario County’s goal of reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling and reuse, as outlined in its long-term waste management strategy.
Election Services and Sales Tax Legislation
The Board also approved contracts related to upcoming elections, including an agreement with Victor Central School District for the use of county voting machines, and a $63,410 contract with NTS Data Services for printing and mailing voter check cards.
In a fiscally significant move, the Board passed a home rule resolution supporting state legislation to renew an additional county sales tax—an extension that would remain in effect through November 2027.
Public Works Leadership Transition Begins
With longtime Public Works Commissioner William Wright set to retire in October, the Board formally appointed a search committee to identify his successor. Supervisor Peter Ingalsbe will lead the committee, which includes supervisors and county department heads spanning planning, sustainability, human resources, and purchasing.
Support for Aging Services and Health Contracts
The Health and Human Services Committee brought forward several resolutions, including:
- Approval of a contract with James McGuinness & Associates for preschool billing software.
- A new contract with Dr. William Dean to provide autopsy services at a rate of $750 per autopsy.
- A five-year affiliation agreement with SUNY Brockport to support public health internships.
- Approval of the Office for the Aging’s four-year strategic plan and funding application, encompassing a range of federally and state-supported services.
- A Memorandum of Understanding with Ionia United Methodist Church to provide free space for senior meals.
Supervisor Daniel Marshall was appointed to serve a three-year term on the Office for the Aging Advisory Council.
Community Applause for Equipment Donation
In a cost-saving win for local elections, the Board accepted a donation of 54 voting machines from Livingston County—an acquisition that spares Ontario County from a $500,000 replacement cost.
All resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously.
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