Yates County officials tackled a wide range of issues in October, from bail reform and renewable energy mandates to aging services and infrastructure projects, during a series of committee and legislative meetings held earlier this month.
Human Services Committee reviews food programs and social services funding
At the Oct. 6 Human Services Committee meeting, Vice-Chair Terry Button led discussions that included a public comment about a new farm-to-table meal service for seniors. Resident Carlie Seeley urged legislators to consider shifting funding from Meals-on-Wheels to the locally cooked food program. Office for the Aging Director Marianne Rosica-Brand responded that while innovative ideas are welcome, Meals-on-Wheels must meet state health standards and suggested the new service could supplement existing programs rather than replace them.
Public Defender Matthew Tantillo reported a spike in criminal cases in September and submitted $150,000 in third-quarter grant claims. Social Services Commissioner Amy Miller said uncertainty continues around federal HEAP funding and Medicaid caps, noting the department is preparing for possible state-level adjustments. Public Health Deputy Director Sara Christensen outlined several initiatives, including a free rabies clinic Nov. 1 and ongoing childhood lead poisoning prevention work. Veterans Services Director Doug Gibbs announced Operation Greenlight will return this fall, and Community Services Director Lisa Principio said opioid settlement funds are declining while prevention efforts continue.
Public Works Committee reviews capital projects and airport funding
The Public Works Committee, chaired by Dick Harper, also met Oct. 6 to review building, road, and airport projects. Highway Superintendent Doug Rapalee reported the Safe Streets for All program is underway, with bridge and resurfacing projects moving forward. He also noted micro-surfacing was completed on Himrod and Ridge roads and repairs finished on City Hill Road. Committee members discussed a recent incident involving damage from farm equipment but agreed not to pursue reimbursement.
The committee approved resolutions advancing multiple airport design projects funded by the FAA, including runway rehabilitation and perimeter fence improvements, and debated whether new T-hangars should move forward after learning the waitlist had been overstated. Work also continues on the new Highway, Public Health, and Emergency Services facility, where site remediation is nearly complete.
Legislature adopts resolutions, supports energy opt-out bill
At its regular Oct. 14 session, the Yates County Legislature approved several resolutions and held a brief public hearing on renewing the county’s additional mortgage tax. Legislators unanimously supported measures recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and authorizing grant contracts for vote-by-mail and general election reimbursements. Other approvals included filling vacancies in the Social Services, Public Health, Veterans, and IT departments, and signing contracts with the S2AY Rural Health Network for public health quality and emergency preparedness programs.
A key vote expressed support for state Senate Bill S8481 and Assembly Bill A8996, which would allow local governments to opt out of electrification mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Legislators said the bill protects home rule and prevents rural areas from being burdened by energy transition costs.
Lawmakers press state officials on bail reform, agriculture, and CLCPA mandates
Earlier that day, legislators held a special session with State Sen. Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano to discuss state policies affecting Yates County. O’Mara called New York’s bail reform and “Raise the Age” laws failed experiments, arguing they fuel recidivism by limiting judicial discretion. Both lawmakers also criticized state efforts to phase out natural gas, saying the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has created “a climate plan with no plan” and inflated energy costs.
O’Mara and Palmesano pledged continued advocacy for higher CHIPS funding for local roads and expressed concern over solar installations on prime farmland. They said they would push for more flexibility to protect agriculture and expand energy diversity in rural communities.
The next regular meeting of the Yates County Legislature is scheduled for November.
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