Cayuga County’s Public Works and Judicial & Public Safety Committees met last week focusing on infrastructure upgrades, storm recovery, staffing challenges in public safety, and inter-county legal coordination.
Public Works approves snow removal agreement with Onondaga County
The Public Works Committee, chaired by Legislator Ben Vitale, approved a three-year snow and ice removal agreement with Onondaga County. The contract covers 0.37 miles of East Brutus Road and Eastport, with reimbursement set at $8,620.52 per mile and a 3% annual increase.
The Highway Department reported that both town and state snow seasons have ended. While town reimbursements are still pending, state reimbursements exceeded projections due to an intense winter. Ongoing road work includes:
- Roadside mowing and brush mulching
- Chip sealing and paving
- Shoulder rehabilitation on Ridge Road
- Resurfacing on Cayuga, Skillet, and Davis Roads
June will include shoulder backup work, and planning continues for the 2026 Dresserville Road creek stabilization project, in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Environmental awards recognize local farms
Doug Kierst of the SWCD announced the 2025 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award recipients:
- Scipio Springs Dairy
- Finger Lakes Nut Farm
- Minturn Farms
- Kyle Farms
- Sierzenga Farms
The awards highlight sustainable agricultural practices. The SWCD is also advancing erosion control and septic system planning. Community outreach includes the Annual Tire Roundup and the Wayne/Cayuga Envirothon, where Weedsport High School placed second and will advance to the state level.
911 Center adds staff, training programs to address shortages
The Judicial & Public Safety Committee, chaired by Legislator Tom Winslow, approved:
- A new Emergency Services Dispatcher (HELP) position
- Filling a Supervising Dispatcher vacancy
- A $5,000 budget allocation for domestic violence training
911 Administrator Denise Spingler said the HELP position bypasses civil service testing to speed up hiring. Training for 25 dispatchers will take place in partnership with the Denise Amber Lee Foundation.
Grant applications are also underway for:
- Upgrading the county’s 911 phone system
- Relocating a backup center to the Osmore Tower site
- Improving tower site camera systems
DA announces welfare fraud task force, staff changes
District Attorney Brittany Antonacci reported 27 indictments in April and announced an $80,000 CARP grant to fight welfare fraud. A new task force, in coordination with the sheriff’s office and Department of Social Services, will investigate revenue crimes.
Antonacci also received approval to adjust a staffing resolution, enabling the hiring of a law associate under a STRIVE grant. The new hire will be promoted to Assistant DA upon bar admission.
Storm response and public safety updates
Emergency Services Director Riley Shurtleff detailed response efforts from recent storm activity, which included:
- 24 flooding calls in one day
- A water rescue involving kayakers
- Structural damage in Summer Hill and Genoa
The department is preparing for upcoming wildland rescue and firefighting trainings and recently hired a new fire coordinator.
Probation Director Tyrone Thomas shared updates on annual planning and Alternatives to Incarceration grant applications. The department is evaluating electronic monitoring for sex offenders and will send staff for firearms instructor certification.
The Sheriff’s Office continues academy training and is preparing for navigation season.
Cayuga may expand legal services to Seneca County
Assigned Counsel Administrator John Price told the committee that Cayuga County may begin managing assigned counsel services in Seneca County. Early discussions are ongoing with Indigent Legal Services and Seneca County officials.
DWI program highlights outreach and community events
Stop DWI Coordinator Debra Dennis praised a mock DWI crash demonstration at Moravia High School and announced two upcoming outreach events:
- May 25 at Weedsport Speedway
- June 22 family safety event
No new appointments or other business were presented during the session.
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