Last week the Cayuga County Planning and Government Operations committees reviewed an extensive list of development initiatives, program updates, and key resolutions, including a proposal to fund a centralized office for economic development partners and a new IT services agreement with the City of Auburn.
Economic development “One-Stop Shop” proposal
Andy Rindfleisch of the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) presented a proposal to establish a centralized “one-stop shop” for economic development services. The initiative would bring together agencies including the IDA, Cayuga County Development Corporation (CCDC), Cayuga County Planning and Economic Development, Cayuga County Soil and Water, Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
The plan would create a shared office space, a centralized website, and a virtual PBX phone system to simplify access to services for businesses. The total estimated startup cost is $56,500, including $30,000 in rent and funds for office setup and technology. Rindfleisch noted that many of the organizations involved currently lack permanent office space and operate remotely.
“We’re looking to present a unified front for economic development in the county,” Rindfleisch said, adding that shared staff and space would increase efficiency. Legislators requested a detailed list of organizations involved, board members, staffing, and existing rent contributions before considering funding.
Planning department updates
Planning Director Kari Terwilliger provided updates on more than 20 ongoing projects. These include:
- Countywide Strategic Plan: A three-year, $103,500 effort to develop a new strategic plan for Cayuga County, replacing the last plan adopted in 1969.
- Small Project Grant Fund – Moravia: A $300,000 fund to support commercial revitalization in the Village of Moravia. The Planning Committee approved a resolution to contract a consultant for the program.
- Infrastructure Grants: Applications submitted for Deauville Island bridge repairs, playground improvements, and a sewer study at Emerson Park.
- Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program: The county received $160,000 to inventory and analyze underutilized commercial and industrial properties.
- Route 90 DRI Implementation: The county awaits project awards from the state for revitalization projects in Cayuga, Union Springs, and Aurora.
- Recycling Initiatives: The county’s first electronics waste event in March collected more than 57,000 pounds. A tire collection event is scheduled for June 7.
Workforce and youth development
Kelly King of Employment & Training reported strong participation in recent workforce events, including a job fair and youth certification programs. She noted that youth summer employment programs are fully funded for 2025 and that four new members have joined the county’s Workforce Development Board, increasing local representation.
Cooperative Extension and parks updates
Dan Welch of Cornell Cooperative Extension reported the launch of a gardening program in partnership with Booker T. Washington Community Center and 4-H youth certification workshops. Parks staff reported new hires to support fundraising for the Deauville Island playground project, and grant applications have been submitted for bridge repairs and park development.
Government operations: IT agreement with City of Auburn
Later in the evening, the Government Operations Committee approved a resolution authorizing a 13-month IT managed services contract with the City of Auburn, not to exceed $108,333. Under the agreement, Cayuga County’s IT Department will provide Auburn with helpdesk, software, hardware, and project management support starting June 1. The contract includes an option to renew for three additional years.
Tom Bunn, Director of Information Technology, also provided updates on major projects, including the migration to Microsoft Office 365, network upgrades across county buildings, and the relocation of departments to new facilities at Cayuga Community College and 63 Genesee Street.
The meeting also featured brief departmental reports from the Board of Elections, Legislative Clerk’s Office, and County Attorney’s Office, with no new appointments made.
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