The Yates County Legislature’s Finance Committee met earlier this month and advanced several key items related to budgeting, infrastructure, and grant funding in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.
Committee Chair Bill Holgate opened the meeting, later turning it over to Nonie Flynn at 4:24 p.m. when he had to leave. The session covered a wide range of county operations, from school taxes and broadband construction to short-term rentals and solid waste management.
Transit services and contract discussion
Representatives from Yates Transit Service (YTS) spoke about their expanded routes and past service, but the committee noted that YTS had not responded to the county’s request for proposals (RfP) for public transportation services. Members advised YTS to formally request that the Transportation Committee issue a new RfP if they wish to continue service.
Real property and online access updates
Real Property Director Meghan Kincaid updated the committee on:
- Distribution of school tax bills
- New assessor training in Starkey
- Delays in intermunicipal agreements for aerial imagery (pictometry)
- A platform transition from ImageMate Online to Beacon, which will allow for bill payment features linked to assessment data
Broadband construction near completion
Jeff Ayers reported that the county’s ReConnect broadband initiative is nearing completion in several areas:
- Phase 2 is 97.4% complete as of August 25
- Phase 3 planning and specs are ready and awaiting approvals
- Equipment testing and final invoicing remain for Phase 1B
Ayers noted that permitting with FLRR and contract work with Empire Access is still in progress. The overall project total is $17.1 million, with $3.6 million in county matching funds.
Planning and environmental updates
Ayers also reported:
- The Natural & Recreational Resources Grant remains open
- The county is short of its solid waste program registration goal of 300
- A new round of state septic system grants has been announced
- Yates County is eligible for the 2024 Snowmobile Trail Grant
- GIS upgrades are ongoing, with some limitations noted in historical mapping
Finance and budget matters
Leigh Battin reviewed progress on:
- Short-term rental tax compliance, with Q3 returns due by September 20
- A possible opt-out from the STR registry component of the new law
- A capital improvement plan for 2026–2030
- Budget transfers, state aid appropriations, and resolutions related to community services
The committee also reviewed sales tax reports and discussed recent participation in a Munis software investment assessment, which could lead to future system upgrades.
Resolutions moving forward
Committee members reviewed and raised no objections to forwarding several resolutions to the full legislature, including:
- Budget transfers and aid appropriations
- A contract for actuarial services
- A resolution to impose general sales and use taxes
- A public hearing on a proposed local mortgage tax renewal law
Auction and software updates
County Treasurer Marsha Devine said two auctioned properties received bids lower than what is owed in back taxes. A full report is pending. She also provided updates on budgeting and software use.
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