The Yates County Legislature approved dozens of resolutions Monday, including a local law to override the state-imposed tax levy limit, a letter opposing federal Medicaid cuts, and support for ongoing development of the Yates County Community Center project.
Public Supports Resolution Opposing Federal Medicaid Cuts
Multiple residents spoke during the public comment period in support of Resolution 214-25, which opposes proposed federal cuts to Medicaid. Valerie Gosik, Deb Coup, Ed Schultz, and Allison Stewart were among those who urged the Legislature to adopt the resolution unanimously, citing concerns over the impact of reduced funding on vulnerable populations, including children and low-income residents.
The resolution asserts that 20% of Yates County residents rely on Medicaid and warns that federal cuts would reduce access to care and threaten provider sustainability. The Legislature later passed the resolution during its voting session.
Yates County Community Center Shares Project Update
Representatives from the Yates Community Center, including Executive Director Charles Collinger III and Board President Susan Amy Barnsworth, updated legislators on their plans for a new facility.
The board reported that site preparation is underway, including plans to fill part of a retention pond for temporary parking during construction. A joint village-town meeting regarding annexation is expected within a month. Pending village and permit approvals in July, the board aims to order materials and break ground in September 2025, with project completion projected for December 2026.
Barnsworth confirmed that a planned health center on-site—led by Finger Lakes Health—is moving forward independently and does not affect the community center’s budget.
Legislators Override Tax Cap, Approve Contracts and Positions
The Legislature opened a public hearing and later adopted Local Law 1-25 (Resolution 211-25), allowing the county to override the tax levy limit set by New York State’s General Municipal Law Section 3-C.
Legislators also ratified the tentative agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), authorized new positions in multiple departments, and adopted updated salary schedules for non-union staff.
Key resolutions passed included:
- Creation of a full-time caseworker trainee position for the Court-Based Navigator Program (Resolution 176-25).
- Creation of full-time positions for emergency services and law enforcement, including a Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant and temporary Correction Officer (Resolutions 177-179-25).
- A service agreement with Singlewire Software for mass notification services (Resolution 174-25).
- Ratification of non-disclosure agreements for the Public Safety Facility project (Resolution 173-25).
- Adoption of the 2025 Yates County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (Resolution 168-25).
Budget Approvals and Committee Reports
The Legislature approved over $8.3 million in audited expenditures for county departments in March. Public safety accounted for nearly $300,000 of that total. Committee chairs also delivered brief updates, with Legislator Bronson noting that the request for proposals for the new public safety facility’s architectural and engineering services will be released soon.
Next Steps
The Legislature will continue to monitor developments related to the community center and Medicaid funding. The joint meeting for annexation between the Village of Penn Yan and the Town of Benton is anticipated in the coming weeks.
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