The Seneca County Board of Supervisors committees met Tuesday, approving preschool service contracts, accepting several public health grants, advancing tourism promotion efforts, and introducing a local law to override the state property tax cap for 2026.
Preschool and public health actions
The Health and Human Services Committee approved a contract with Kelly Schirmer to provide speech-language therapy for the county’s state-mandated preschool program. Officials clarified that Schirmer will deliver speech services outside of her school district position due to licensure limits.
Supervisors also authorized a new agreement with the Seneca Falls Central School District to provide related preschool services, including speech and evaluations, at state-set rates.
The committee accepted three state and federal public health grants:
- $52,099 Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant to fund a portion of staff salaries and programs such as CPR/AED training, cooling centers, and preparedness kits.
- $29,895 Early Intervention Program Administration grant to support staff overseeing early childhood services.
- $6,000 Child Passenger Safety Program grant to supply free car seats and training for families.
Supervisors also adopted a proclamation recognizing World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.
Tourism, economic development, and invasive species
The Economic Development, Tourism and Housing Committee authorized the county to seek proposals for an environmental consulting firm to begin work under a $1.5 million EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant, focusing on sites along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the former Willard Asylum.
Supervisors voted to again designate the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce as the county’s tourism promotion agency and committed up to $350,000 from the room tax toward New York’s 2026 Matching Funds Program.
Two members were reappointed to the Seneca County Local Development Corporation Board: Heather Robson and Dan LaGasse.
Supervisors also discussed the rapid spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect threatening vineyards and orchards. Board members backed forming a task force with partners including Cooperative Extension, PRISM, Farm Bureau, and state agriculture officials to press for resources and treatment strategies.
Ways and Means: Audit, broadband, and tax cap
The Ways and Means Committee awarded a three-year audit contract to Bonadio & Co., LLP for $69,500 in 2025, with options through 2027.
The county accepted a $39,000 broadband grant through the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council to reimburse the Town of Tyre for past infrastructure costs.
Supervisors introduced Local Law E of 2025, which would allow the county to override the state’s tax levy cap when adopting the 2026 budget. A public hearing was scheduled for Oct. 14 at the Three Bears Complex in Ovid.
Water, sewer, and public works
The Water and Sewer Committee authorized bids for installation of required backflow preventers at the Willard Wastewater Treatment Plant, with costs estimated near $30,000.
Public Works approved an adjustment to the county’s contract with the state Department of Transportation, adding $23,517.99 to the 2024–25 snow and ice agreement for a new total of $466,282.12.
Public safety and other actions
The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee renewed a contract with South Seneca Central School District for two school resource officers, and accepted a $560,000 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant to upgrade emergency services.
The Government Operations Committee moved routine items including appointments and personnel matters.
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