The Seneca County Board of Supervisors approved a wide slate of resolutions last Tuesday while also hearing plenty of public comment urging the county to avoid partnerships with federal immigration authorities.
Presentations open the meeting
The session began with Penny Gugino of the Alzheimer’s Association outlining the impact of dementia locally. She noted that about 10.1% of county residents over age 65 — roughly 700 people — live with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Lynne Doyle of the Friends of the Three Bears presented the county with a $27,540 donation to aid restoration of the historic courthouse complex in Ovid.
Immigration raids dominate public comment
More than a half dozen residents spoke against potential cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The comments followed a federal raid in Cato, Cayuga County, that detained 57 people.
Speakers cited risks to community trust, local agriculture, and small businesses if Seneca County were to sign immigration enforcement agreements. Several shared family immigration histories and argued that local officers should not assist in federal raids. Board members did not take up formal action, but Chairman Michael Enslow pointed to former President Ronald Reagan’s remarks on immigration as a source of national strength.
Financial and tax actions
Supervisors accepted Bonadio & Co. LLP to audit county finances through 2027, at a first-year cost of $69,500. They also accepted a $39,000 broadband grant reimbursement for work in Tyre.
The board introduced Local Law “E,” which would override the state’s property tax cap for the 2026 budget. A public hearing is scheduled Oct. 14 at the “Papa Bear” courthouse in Ovid.
Health initiatives approved
The board proclaimed Sept. 21 as World Alzheimer’s Day in Seneca County.
Supervisors authorized contracts for preschool speech therapy and related services, including agreements with longtime provider Kelly Schirmer and the Seneca Falls Central School District.
The county accepted three state grants totaling more than $88,000, covering public health emergency preparedness, early intervention services, and child passenger safety programs.
Infrastructure and public works
Supervisors approved a $23,517.99 adjustment in state funding for snow and ice removal and authorized an additional $70,000 for the County Road 129 paving project.
They also authorized bidding for backflow preventer installation at the Willard wastewater plant to comply with state health standards.
Utility audit demand
The board unanimously demanded an independent audit of New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas and Electric billing practices. Several supervisors shared their own accounts of inconsistent charges, echoing widespread resident complaints.
Human services and staffing changes
The county created a Director of Services position within the Department of Human Services, while eliminating a second deputy commissioner post.
Supervisors also approved hiring an Assistant District Attorney II at a higher pay step after a 20-month vacancy and agreed to absorb county funding for a victim/witness services coordinator after state support ends.
Two senior account clerk positions in the Finance Department were abolished and reclassified as senior medical billing clerks within the Mental Health Department.
Public safety measures
The board renewed its agreement with South Seneca schools to provide two school resource officers at $60,000 annually for the next three years.
Supervisors also accepted nearly $552,000 in state homeland security grants to bolster emergency communications and support dispatcher salaries at the 911 center.
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