At its June 17 session, the Cayuga County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee reviewed and advanced a wide range of fiscal and personnel matters, including a resolution to override the state’s property tax cap, expand youth employment funding, and approve contracts for public health and employee assistance services.
The committee, chaired by Legislator Elane Daly, met at the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum in Auburn. Members Heidi Nightengale, Bob Shea, Ben Vitale, and Tom Winslow were present.
Committee Supports Tax Cap Override for 2026 Budget Flexibility
A resolution titled “A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit Established in General Municipal Law §3-c” was presented for information only. The legislation would permit the County Legislature to adopt a 2026 budget that exceeds the state-mandated tax levy limit, if necessary.
The measure does not commit the county to raising taxes but provides flexibility during budget negotiations. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for June 24, 2025.
Youth Employment Funding and Public Health Contracts Approved
The committee approved Resolution 6-25-HH-4, authorizing the Cayuga County Department of Social Services to accept funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and amend the 2025 budget accordingly. This program provides temporary employment opportunities for eligible youth during the summer months.
In addition, legislators advanced several health-related contracts:
- 6-25-HH-1: Authorizes a contract with Nurse Core to provide RN services for a preschool special education student.
- 6-25-HH-2: Approves a public health preparedness contract with the Health Research Institute in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
- 6-25-HH-5, 6-25-HH-8, and 6-25-HH-9: Approve contracts with Access to Home Care Services, Inc., Access to Home, and Turner’s Helping Seniors LLC for in-home personal and aide services for the aging population.
Employee Assistance Program Vendor Selected
The committee authorized Resolution 6-25-WM-1, entering into a one-year contract with Crouse HelpPeople to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for county employees at $18 per employee per year. The program offers confidential support services aimed at improving employee well-being and retention.
Vending Contract Extension Approved
Under Resolution 6-25-WM-2, the county will renew its vending contract with Ace Automatics for another year. The vendor services Cayuga County office buildings and pays a 12% commission on all soda and snack sales. The county incurs no direct costs for the service.
Department Updates: Foreclosures, Audits, and Infrastructure
Committee members received detailed updates from department heads:
- Treasurer David Dempsey reported progress on the 2024-2025 foreclosure process. The redemption deadline has passed, and the repurchase deadline is set for August 1.
- Finance Director Grace Blowers outlined ongoing work on the 2024 audit and fixed asset conversion project with Tyler Technology.
- Real Property Director Jennifer Indelicato reported that 16 parcels are listed for the upcoming online tax foreclosure auction.
- Human Resources Director Diann Ferris said there are currently 29 open county positions and that work is underway to replace the Employee Assistance Program vendor.
- Purchasing Director Amanda O’Grady provided updates on multiple procurement initiatives, including HVAC repairs, roof projects, pest control, and a solar upgrade bid for county sites.
Additional Resolutions Advanced
Several other resolutions were moved forward, including:
- 6-25-GO-1 and 6-25-GO-2: Approving network upgrades for the county data center and amending the spending policy.
- 6-25-PL Series: Authorizing parks-related projects, including a new Kubota RTV purchase, window film installation at the Sterling Nature Center, and emergency exit door replacement at the Emerson Park Pavilion.
- 6-25-PW Series: Extending a lease at 2 State Street, approving HVAC repairs, and accepting additional state paving funds.
- 6-25-JP Series: Approving the filling of key public safety positions, including three deputy sheriff roles and two dispatch supervisors.
The next full meeting of the Cayuga County Legislature is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 2025.
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