The Cayuga County Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee approved a series of resolutions Wednesday focused on staffing, contracts, and funding within key public health and social service programs, while also highlighting ongoing community needs in areas such as Medicare counseling and senior nutrition.
The meeting, held November 12 at the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, was chaired by Legislator Heidi Nightengale. Legislators Elane Daly, Amy Sargent, Bob Shea, and Tom Winslow were present, with additional county staff and directors providing updates on departmental programs.
Staffing resolutions advance across health and human services
The committee approved seven resolutions across health, social services, and mental health departments. Among the measures was a resolution to amend a prior one authorizing the creation and filling of one of three potential positions — a Competent Professional Authority, a nutritionist, or a supervising nutritionist — under the WIC program. The motion passed unanimously following a motion by Legislator Daly, seconded by Shea.
In a similar action, Resolution 11-25-HH-2 authorized the Public Health Director to fill a vacant Public Health Educator or Senior Public Health Educator position, also tied to the WIC program.
The committee also approved Resolution 11-25-HH-3, which allows the Public Health Department to contract with Megan Williams, DVM, for services related to rabies specimen preparation.
On the human services side, Resolution 11-25-HH-4 enables the Department of Social Services to accept federal CAPTA/CARA funding and contract with Cayuga County Community Mental Health to embed a part-time behavioral health clinician within the Child Welfare Services unit. DSS Commissioner Christine Bianco stated the clinician would focus on providing mental health services to both parents and children involved in child protective cases.
“This is not a new position,” Bianco said, “but a reconfiguration using federal grant funding to support children in families where substance use is involved.”
Two additional DSS-related measures also passed:
- Resolution 11-25-HH-5 authorizes contracts with various clinical psychologists for parental and child assessments in child welfare cases.
- Resolution 11-25-HH-6 approves the purchase of replacement computers for aging equipment in the department.
The final resolution, 11-25-HH-7, allows the adjustment of the Mental Health Department’s 2025 budget to align with updated state aid allocations for contract agencies.
Appointments confirmed to advisory subcommittees
The committee also approved appointments to the county’s advisory boards:
- Meghan Sedorus of Auburn and Joyce McGlynn of Syracuse were appointed to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee, with terms running from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028.
- Carol Colvin of Auburn was appointed to the Mental Health Subcommittee to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026.
Office for the Aging reports increased Medicare inquiries, volunteer shortages
Office for the Aging Director Brenda Wiemann reported a surge in local demand for Medicare enrollment assistance, noting that as of November 5, the office had received 427 calls — significantly more than during the same period last year.
“The Medicare Advantage plans have changed, and costs for prescription drug coverage have increased,” Wiemann said. “We’re hearing from many people who are overwhelmed.”
Due to staffing limits, the agency is referring some inquiries to the New York State Office for Aging and affiliated agencies, though Wiemann noted that most residents prefer local, in-person help.
To reduce pressure on staff, Wiemann is offering “Medicare 101” educational sessions throughout November and December for individuals new to the program.
The director also outlined holiday contingency plans for the Meals on Wheels program, which will provide shelf-stable backup meals to clients during weather closures. However, she raised concerns about a shortage of volunteer drivers, especially as snowbird volunteers leave for the winter.
The agency has registered with the Volunteer Cayuga platform to expand its recruitment reach.
No updates from other departments
No new updates were reported from the Departments of Community Services, Social Services, or the Youth Bureau during the meeting.
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 news@fingerlakes1.com.