Cayuga County legislators moved key public safety items forward last week, while public works matters — including a building maintenance contract, a new laborer position, and a state snow-and-ice pact — were set up for action.
Judicial & Public Safety: $1.5M NG911 grant, dispatcher hire, and surplus truck sale approved
The Judicial & Public Safety Committee voted to accept a $1,515,197 state grant to replace Cayuga County’s 911 telephone system and cover associated connectivity, creating a capital project titled “911 Telephone System Upgrade.” The grant carries no county match. According to the resolution, “the funds will be used to implement a new NG911 telephone system and pay for connectivity costs.”
Members also approved filling a part-time Emergency Services Dispatcher slot to reduce overtime and stabilize coverage. 911 Administrator Denise Spingler told lawmakers the center remains strained. “We really should have 24 FTE… we’re already understaffed,” she said, noting burnout is happening faster than in the past. “Burnout used to be, you know, 15–20 years from a dispatcher… now… it’s happening, you know, 6, 7, 8 years.” She added that part-timers “save a lot of money on overtime costs,” and the returning employee “will just slide right into the part-time position.”
Spingler reported three new dispatchers completed basic school and started floor training; interviews are set to fill remaining vacancies. Despite heavy overtime, she projected a full-time salary surplus offsetting OT overruns. “Our overtime budget… we are going to exceed… probably $40,000, but… we’re going to have a surplus [in full-time salaries] of probably $300,000.”
The committee also approved selling a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from the Sheriff’s Office to the Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District for $20,000, declaring it surplus and waiving the auction requirement because it will remain in public use. Proceeds will go to the Inmate Commissary Fund.
District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci reported 26 October indictments (after 25 in September) and said the county’s new traffic diversion program generated about $15,000 in its first two months. “It’s becoming very popular… which is great,” she said, also noting a new $55,000 Office of Victim Services award supporting a victim-focused role in her office. She highlighted the county’s inclusion in the STRIVE domestic-violence initiative and praised her STRIVE prosecutor’s work standing up the program.
Stop-DWI staff outlined ongoing education and enforcement messaging and school-based prevention programming opportunities. Legislators discussed recent Student Government Day activities and asked to be notified when schools schedule impaired-driving demonstrations.
A separate Probation hiring item was pulled, as the department continues implementing STRIVE and managing heavier caseloads.
Public Works: laborer position, HVAC controls service, and snow-and-ice pact on deck
The Public Works Committee agenda teed up three actions:
- Create and fill a full-time laborer in Buildings & Grounds by converting a part-time role and unfunding a vacant mechanic post; funding would come from existing salary lines due to vacancy. (CSEA Grade 3L; $43,430 probation step.)
- Two-year PASCO service agreement for Alerton HVAC controls at the County Office Building, Courthouse, and Mental Health Building at $6,359 per year (Dec. 1, 2025–Dec. 1, 2027). PASCO is the exclusive upstate Alerton dealer; even with the COB closed, its system still requires maintenance.
- Supplemental Agreement #2 with NYS DOT to increase lane miles covered for state snow-and-ice operations from 178 to 188, adjusting the 2025–26 estimated expenditure to $789,912.92.
The Public Works agenda also included updates from county departments and a Soil & Water report detailing farm BMP installations, municipal technical assistance, and watershed work.
Next full meeting
The next regular meeting of the Cayuga County Legislature is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, where items advanced by both committees are expected to be considered.
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