Cayuga County legislators approved a sweeping $7 million broadband infrastructure plan Tuesday, aiming to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas while cautiously navigating financial uncertainty and structural budget deficits.
The bond resolution passed with majority support after extensive discussion, with several legislators describing the decision as “cautiously optimistic.” While acknowledging the county’s strained finances—including a projected $5.6 million fund balance draw in the current budget year—lawmakers said the broadband project was vital to economic development, education, and public access across rural parts of the county.
Legislator Ben Vitale, initially opposed, said the project represented a rare opportunity: “This is probably the lifeline for Cayuga County in central New York,” he said. “If we don’t do this, we could be putting ourselves even farther behind.”
Board Chair Jonathan Pinckney noted the project would eventually be owned and operated by CNYNET, a nonprofit broadband utility, and emphasized ongoing dialogue with state agencies to secure financial backing. “We cannot afford to be left behind,” he said.
The Legislature also approved related resolutions authorizing an intermunicipal agreement and an initial $250,000 advance to CNYNET to begin utility permitting and route design work.
Budget reform and cost-cutting measures take shape
Earlier in the session, Chair Pinckney delivered a detailed financial update, warning that the county’s reliance on fund balance is unsustainable. The current balance—roughly $14.2 million—is below the policy threshold set by the Legislature.
To curb spending, the county has:
- Imposed a hiring freeze from June through August;
- Amended its spending policy, raising the legislative approval threshold from $5,000 to $7,500 for equipment and capital expenses;
- Delayed non-essential vehicle purchases;
- Rebid longstanding contracts to improve pricing;
- Negotiated utility and cleaning agreements for cost savings.
“We’re already implementing measures to reduce reliance on fund balance,” Pinckney said. “But this will be no easy task.”
Infrastructure and services resolutions approved
Lawmakers also moved forward with a broad package of routine resolutions, including:
- Relocation of the county’s primary data center to the Auburn Fire Department, due to health concerns in the existing county office building. The move will cost $343,000, including $93,000 in newly authorized equipment spending.
- Facilities upgrades including a new utility vehicle for Parks & Trails, emergency exit doors at Emerson Park Pavilion, and anti-bird-strike window film at the Sterling Nature Center.
- Acceptance of a $25,000 NYS SWIMS grant to expand swimming access at Emerson Park and the Auburn municipal pool.
- A lease extension for the county’s space at 2 State Street and funding for HVAC repairs at the Hardenburgh Building.
Public services expanded, new appointments made
Nine resolutions from the Health and Human Services Committee were approved, including:
- Accepting $230,591 in Summer Youth Employment Program funding;
- Filling seasonal HEAP clerks and a key Medicaid supervisory vacancy;
- Renewing contracts for senior care and public health preparedness;
- Authorizing new personal care service agreements at no local cost.
The Legislature also approved a new Employee Assistance Program contract with Crouse HelpPeople at $18 per employee annually, providing confidential counseling services to all employees and their families.
Finally, legislators voted to override the state’s property tax cap for 2025, though no members of the public spoke during the scheduled hearing.
Next meeting
The Legislature will reconvene July 22 at 6 p.m. For full agenda details and meeting video, visit cayugacounty.us/legislature.
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