Public transportation concerns and last-minute tax corrections took center stage during two December meetings of the Yates County Legislature.
Lawmakers met December 8 for their regular session and again December 16 for a special meeting to address unresolved issues before year’s end.
Transportation concerns draw public comment
During the December 8 regular meeting, multiple residents urged lawmakers to act quickly to prevent a lapse in public transportation services.
Jen Alessi and Dr. Madie Alessi spoke about how losing transportation would affect residents who rely on it for work and independence, including their family member. They asked the Legislature to create a temporary plan while waiting for RTS service.
Natalie Travis, vice chair of the Yates County Chamber Board and treasurer of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, echoed those concerns. She said transportation is critical for employees, Keuka College students, and young professionals, and urged leaders to find a stopgap solution.
Another resident, Debbie Koop of the Penn Yan Action Coalition, addressed federal immigration enforcement and 287(g) agreements. She said withholding government funds would amount to extortion and urged lawmakers to remain cautious.
Legislators also received a detailed update from Yates Transit Service, including ridership trends and quarterly data, as shown in charts presented during the meeting.
Dozens of resolutions approved
The December 8 meeting included approval of a wide range of resolutions, most passing unanimously.
Lawmakers authorized multiple agreements involving the Sheriff’s Office, including contracts with the Humane Society of Yates County, Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, and Public Safety EAP. They also approved cybersecurity agreements, social services contracts, budget transfers, and funding for county departments.
The Legislature accepted a $15,000 state grant tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and authorized planning steps for an airport hangar project at the Penn Yan–Yates County Airport.
Several appointments and reappointments were made to county boards and committees, including planning, community services, and behavioral health panels.
A few transportation-related contracts passed with divided votes, particularly those involving client transportation services and waivers of liability insurance.
Special meeting corrects tax error
At the December 16 special session, lawmakers focused largely on correcting an error in the town of Jerusalem’s county tax rate.
The Legislature unanimously approved amendments to the county equalization and apportionment table and to town and county tax rates for 2026. Officials said the issue affected only Jerusalem and did not impact other municipalities.
During discussion, legislators said the overall tax increase was about 9.5 percent.
The clerk also noted for the record that legislators received an email from Jen Alessi regarding the ongoing lapse in public transportation services.
After briefly entering executive session to discuss union negotiations and legal matters, lawmakers returned to public session and unanimously approved a separation agreement involving the Council 82 Deputy Sheriffs Unit.
Both meetings adjourned after completing year-end business.
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