At its Sept. 23 meeting, the Cayuga County Legislature heard from more than a dozen residents voicing concerns about a recent federal immigration enforcement operation in Cato. The meeting also included the approval of numerous contracts, grant acceptances, and position authorizations across departments including Social Services, Mental Health, and Public Works.
Public comments focus on ICE raid in Cato
During the privilege of the floor, multiple speakers from Legislative District 10 and other areas addressed the Legislature regarding a Sept. 4 immigration raid conducted by federal agents at the Nutrition Bar Confectioners facility in Cato. Speakers raised concerns about civil rights violations, racial profiling, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office’s reported involvement in providing security at the scene.
Beth Cuddy, a resident of District 10, called the raid “a fishing expedition” and alleged violations of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments. Patty Here stated, “We don’t need county employees involved in possible unlawful raids with the potential for lawsuits.”
Others, such as Janet Rior of Scipio, urged the Legislature to adopt a formal non-cooperation policy. “Take a stand and pass a non-cooperation policy. Not a hard choice,” she said.
Charlie Green called on legislators to adopt clauses from the New York for All Act restricting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
A minority of speakers expressed support for the Sheriff’s Office. Tara Galin defended the department’s role, stating they were “protecting the citizens” by maintaining public order during the raid and did not detain anyone. “He [the sheriff] did his job,” she said.
No formal action was taken by the Legislature in response to the comments.
Appointments approved
Two appointments were approved:
- Bill Mammoliti was appointed to the Ethics Board, filling a term through Dec. 31, 2028.
- Elane Daly was appointed to the Law Library Board of Trustees for a term beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.
Assessment agreements renewed
The Legislature approved the renewal of joint services agreements to provide optional county assessment services under Real Property Tax Law Section 1537 with the following towns:
- Moravia, at $24,360 annually
- Niles, at $21,950 annually
- A new agreement was also approved with Sempronius, generating $11,860 annually.
Social services and mental health initiatives funded
A series of resolutions were adopted to expand services and staffing in the Department of Social Services and Mental Health:
- $25,000 from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for emergency services for domestic violence victims through CAP
- $414,119 from the Youth Employment Program to provide youth job opportunities
- A contract with the Mental Health Department was approved to provide diagnostic assessments for youth involved in Family Court
- Authorization was granted to establish satellite mental health clinic locations in county schools
- The department was also authorized to reallocate funds to cover increased psychiatric care costs
- A contract with Nick’s Ride for Friends for peer support services was approved, funded by opioid settlement dollars
Additionally, several new positions were created for the Lead Rental Registry Program, including:
- A Community Outreach, Education and Partnership Coordinator
- A Lead Program Manager
- Two Environmental Health Technicians
All four positions are fully funded by the state grant and will be abolished once funding ends.
Government operations and policy updates
The Legislature amended multiple internal policies:
- A revised Grant Application Policy was adopted, requiring department heads to seek authorization for non-mandated program funding applications
- The Travel and Training Policy was amended to include updated reimbursement thresholds and procedural clarifications
Public safety and judicial actions
Key resolutions approved under the Judicial and Public Safety Committee included:
- Acceptance of GIVE grant funding by the Probation Department
- Contracts with Cayuga Counseling for both alternative sentencing and pretrial release services
- The Sheriff’s Office received authorization to:
- Renew a PowerDMS software agreement
- Enter into a new contract with Global Tel*Link for jail communications and tablets
- Accept grant funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee
- Fill a Deputy Sheriff (Custody) Lieutenant position and any resulting backfill
- Accept a Homeland Security grant for urban search and rescue training
- Establish a temporary leave bank for a Sheriff’s employee
A proposed resolution to revise a school resource officer contract with Moravia School District was tabled to October, and a separate resolution on salary increases for elected officers was pulled.
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