Yates County lawmakers tackled a packed agenda this week, approving over 30 resolutions ranging from public safety funding to workforce development and community partnerships.
The Legislature met Tuesday in Penn Yan to adopt the measures, which touch nearly every corner of county government.
Domestic violence awareness takes center stage
One of the first resolutions recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Yates County. Legislators highlighted the efforts of local agencies including Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, the Child Advocacy Center, and the Sheriff’s Victim Assistance Program. The proclamation promotes the theme “It’s in our control to end coercive control” and encourages residents to wear purple ribbons in solidarity with victims.
County supports climate opt-out bill
Yates also threw its support behind proposed state legislation allowing local governments to opt out of mandates under New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The resolution argues that electrification requirements are expensive and burdensome for rural communities without the infrastructure to support them.
Election grants approved
Two resolutions greenlit new contracts with the state Board of Elections: one for vote-by-mail reimbursements totaling $5,622 and another covering general election costs of $5,775. Both grants run through March 2026.
Airport upgrades moving forward
The county approved several contracts tied to major improvements at the Penn Yan–Yates County Airport. That includes design work for runway rehabilitation, perimeter fence upgrades, and lighting replacements. Three contracts with C&S Engineers were authorized, totaling more than $459,000, with the majority covered by federal and state grants.
Additionally, the Legislature voted to raise monthly rent for T-hangars starting in January — older units will go from $250 to $275, and newer ones from $275 to $300.
Workers’ comp budget adopted
The Legislature formally adopted the 2026 workers’ compensation budget at $556,432, with Yates County’s share coming in at $249,181. The plan allocates funding across towns and villages, including Penn Yan, Jerusalem, and Milo.
Public safety and staff moves
In a push to modernize county services, lawmakers authorized a $1.85 million contract with Pike Construction Services to manage the planning and construction of a new public safety facility. The vote followed a competitive proposal process and recommendations from two legislative committees.
Other staffing-related resolutions included approvals to fill positions in social services, public health, IT, and veterans services — with many tied to pending resignations or terminations.
Support for opioid settlement and youth services
Yates also joined a national settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family over the opioid crisis, authorizing legal agreements to accept funds. Meanwhile, the Youth Bureau was cleared to distribute state funding to more than a dozen local organizations, including Penn Yan Theatre Company, Our Town Rocks, and the Dundee Library.
Snow watch, surplus truck, and highway project
The Legislature authorized a snow watch employee to take a county pickup truck home during the winter season and approved the sale of a 2021 Silverado deemed surplus.
A $1.5 million commitment was also made for a deck replacement on Pre-Emption Road over Kashong Creek. The county expects to be reimbursed for most costs through state and federal infrastructure programs.
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