The Yates County Legislature approved a wide range of resolutions during its Monday meeting, covering topics from cybersecurity and law enforcement agreements to funding for youth services and historical commemorations.
Support for law enforcement and victim advocacy
Several resolutions focused on public safety.
Legislators authorized Sheriff Frank Ryan and the Legislature Chair to sign 2026 agreements with the Humane Society of Yates County for dog pound services, with Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes for victim advocacy at no cost to the county, and with Public Safety EAP, Inc. for employee assistance services at a cost of $3,855.55.
Cybersecurity investment and state partnerships
Yates County will renew its contract with Sedara Security for enhanced 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring at a cost of just over $30,000.
In addition, the Legislature approved an intergovernmental agreement with New York State agencies to participate in the Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) initiative, enabling shared data and coordination on cyber threats at no cost to the county.
$15,000 grant accepted for 250th anniversary of U.S. independence
The county also accepted a $15,000 grant from the New York State Education Department to fund events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Funds will support activities led by the county historian and a designated committee.
Social services contracts and community health
Numerous contracts were approved for counseling, domestic violence support, fraud investigation, transportation, translation, and youth services. Notable agreements included:
- A contract with the Yates County District Attorney’s Office for fraud investigations, not to exceed $51,905.
- Multiple contracts for client transportation and translation services, some with waived liability insurance requirements.
- Continued use of non-secure detention services through Steuben County at a daily rate of $700.
Investments in education, housing, and veterans’ services
Public Health will contract with speech therapist Elizabeth Ismailova for preschool education services in 2026 at $70 per session.
The Legislature also renewed its lease with Keuka Abstract Corporation and approved multiple budget transfers to support youth bureau operations, veterans’ programming, and additional mental health support.
Appointments to community boards
The Legislature filled several seats on advisory boards and subcommittees related to behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and community services.
New members include Melanie Sullivan, Katelyn Luke-Moore, Katie Principio, Dr. William Porter Welbourne, Abi Simmons, and Debra Bailey. Catherine Lovejoy was reappointed to both the Community Services Board and Behavioral Health Subcommittee.
Airport project moves forward with environmental review
In aviation, the county formally designated itself as the lead agency for an environmental review of the planned 8-bay T-hangar project at the Penn Yan – Yates County Airport.
The project was classified as having no significant environmental impact, allowing it to proceed under state regulations.
Budget adjustments and aid appropriations
A series of resolutions adjusted the 2025 budget. Among them:
- Budget transfers across sheriff, highway, and social services departments.
- Acceptance of over $165,000 in revenue for jail food and drug expenses.
- Daycare program funding increased by $215,595.
- FEMA aid of $140,000 applied to highway equipment leasing.
- $400,000 in assigned fund balance appropriated for the Yates Community Center field house construction.
Tax levy adjusted based on town chargebacks
Finally, the Legislature approved minor adjustments to the county tax levy after reconciling net tax debits and credits across towns.
The levy was reduced by $1,148.64 based on the final report from the Department of Finance.
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