The Seneca County Board of Supervisors covered a lot of ground this past week during a full night of committee meetings. The session took place September 23 covering financial matters, technological upgrades, and environmental concerns. The meetings included a presentation of the county’s 2024 audit, a demonstration of a proposed digital budgeting software, a vote on several budget amendments and resolutions, and a detailed update on the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly.
Audit finds clean financial health but slight dip in fund balance
The Ways and Means Committee began its session with a presentation of the 2024 financial audit by Erica Handley from Drescher & Malecki LLP. The audit covered the county’s general fund, single audit (required for federal funds), and New York State Department of Transportation funding.
Key takeaways:
- The county received an unmodified opinion, which is the highest rating possible.
- No compliance issues were found in any of the audited programs, which included the Airport Improvement Program, Social Services Block Grant, Medical Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and American Rescue Plan funding.
- The county implemented GASB Statement No. 101, related to compensated absences, which had a minor effect on long-term liabilities but did not impact budgeting or fund balances.
- General fund revenues increased by $2.3 million, totaling approximately $83 million, while expenditures increased to $85.5 million, resulting in a $2.4 million decrease in fund balance.
- The total general fund balance at the end of 2024 stood at $35.5 million, with about $12.1 million unassigned, placing the county just below its 13% policy goal for unassigned fund balance.
Handley commended the county’s financial team and stated the final audit would be issued no later than September 30.
Committee explores digital budget software to increase public transparency
The committee next heard from Rob Battaglia of ClearGov, who presented a digital budget book solution aimed at improving how the county develops, presents, and publishes its annual budget. The cloud-based software is already used by counties across New York including Ontario, Livingston, and Chemung.
Key features:
- Produces interactive, web-based budget documents with visual aids and narratives.
- Supports performance tracking for departments.
- Automates demographic and economic data using U.S. Census integration.
- Designed to comply with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, which can help the county qualify for transparency awards and potentially improve its credit rating.
The software costs $15,000 per year, with a prorated amount of $10,325 for the remainder of 2025. A one-time setup fee is included. Julie, from the finance department, expressed support for the platform, emphasizing its ease of use and potential to enhance public understanding of county finances.
Supervisors raised questions about support, customization, and long-term value. Battaglia confirmed that the county would retain full editing rights and that ClearGov offers dedicated implementation and customer support.
Resolutions adopted on budgeting and state advocacy
The Ways and Means Committee passed several resolutions, including:
- Authorization to enter into an agreement with ClearGov, including the necessary budget amendment.
- Amendments to the 2025 Seneca County Budget, though details of the specific changes were not read aloud during the meeting.
- A resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to extend all existing local sales tax rates and allow counties to set their own rates up to 4% under local law.
- A second resolution called on the Governor and Legislature to reform state spending to ensure fiscal sustainability without shifting new costs to local governments.
Committee goes into executive session
An executive session was held pursuant to New York State Open Meetings Law §105(1)(f) to discuss a matter related to a particular individual’s medical, financial, or employment history. The session included all board members and the deputy county manager.
Cornell experts warn supervisors of spotted lanternfly invasion
During the evening portion of the committee meetings, the supervisors received a presentation on the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species that threatens Seneca County’s grape industry.
Hans Walter-Peterson, senior extension associate with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s (CCE) Finger Lakes Grape Program, provided an overview:
- The insect was first detected in the U.S. in 2014 and is now present in multiple states, including a growing population in Seneca County near Cayuga Lake.
- Lanternflies are known to cause damage by feeding on plant sap, weakening grapevines and other host plants. In Pennsylvania, they have caused widespread vineyard damage.
- The primary host is the Tree of Heaven, itself an invasive species that serves as a breeding ground for the lanternfly.
Ryan Stach, CCE’s environmental and natural resources educator, followed with information on identifying and controlling the Tree of Heaven. Educational materials were provided to the supervisors.
Local agriculture and outreach highlighted
CCE representatives also invited the board to attend Celebrate Seneca County Ag Night on October 7 at Fall Street Brewing in Seneca Falls. The event, previously held at the county fair, aims to showcase local agricultural successes and strengthen community ties.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].