Cayuga County lawmakers approved a resolution Tuesday to implement hiring restrictions across county departments, as budget pressures continue to mount heading into the 2026 fiscal year.
The Ways & Means Committee voted to freeze hiring for most full-time, part-time, and temporary positions from June 1 through August 31, 2025. The resolution includes key exemptions for critical public safety and social services roles, including caseworkers, staff social workers, custody officers, and emergency dispatchers.
Legislator Elane Daly, who introduced the measure, described it as a proactive step to reduce budgeted spending without immediate layoffs. “We’re trying to preserve essential services while also keeping vacancies open to reduce costs heading into the next budget,” she said.
Amendment adds care managers to exemption list
During the meeting, lawmakers amended the resolution to include care managers in the county’s mental health department under the exemption list. Legislators and staff explained that care managers are crucial for maintaining state-mandated visits and generate revenue through Medicaid and other reimbursements.
Mental Health Director Lauren Walsh said care managers are already stretched thin and handle complex client needs. “They generate revenue that covers their salaries and more,” she told legislators via phone. “Without them, we’d lose both service capacity and funding.”
Foreclosure deadline passes, auction set for August
County Treasurer David Dempsey and Real Property Director Jennifer Indelicato confirmed that May 21 was the final redemption date for properties in the 2024–25 foreclosure cycle. The auction for tax-delinquent properties is scheduled to run online from August 29 through September 12.
Indelicato said any inquiries about repurchasing property before the auction should be directed to her office, with repurchase requests due no later than August 1.
Budget officials warn of flat sales tax and rising costs
Finance Director Grace Blowers cautioned lawmakers that sales tax revenue is “leveling off” statewide and should not be counted on for budget increases in 2026. “Counties across New York are facing fiscal strains,” she said, citing rising health insurance costs and staffing pressures.
Blowers recently returned from a NYSAC Finance School and said the state is urging counties to budget conservatively.
County prepares pest control contracts to cut long-term costs
The committee also reviewed a resolution authorizing one-year pest control agreements for multiple county buildings. The new contracts with Orkin, LLC reflect a discounted rate, which officials said would lower long-term costs for services that had previously been billed on an as-needed basis.
Amanda O’Grady, the county’s purchasing director, said the new contracts also bring several unmanaged buildings under formal coverage. “It’s going to avoid infestations and be more cost-effective,” she said.
Project management contract approved for county building work
In a related discussion, O’Grady said the county completed a bid process for a third-party project manager to oversee ongoing work at the County Office Building and other facilities. The contract includes environmental and general construction expertise, with hourly rates varying by specialty.
Legislators approved a contract with Campus Construction Management, noting their experience with municipalities and their competitive pricing.
Committee seeks transparency on building access and lighting
Committee members addressed public concerns about nighttime lighting at the closed County Office Building. Officials explained that power has been cut on most floors, but access to some electrical panels remains restricted due to contamination barriers. Full shutdown will occur once access is restored.
Staff also described the need to maintain critical infrastructure in the building, including HVAC systems and equipment supporting the 911 backup center and IT systems. Scheduled maintenance work will follow strict safety and contamination protocols.
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