County lawmakers closed out the year by approving a long list of contracts, budget changes, and salary schedules during a Dec. 22 meeting in Penn Yan.
The Yates County Legislature signed off on more than 20 resolutions, touching everything from jail medical services and public safety to employee pay and community funding.
Law enforcement and jail services
Legislators authorized several agreements tied to the Sheriff’s Office and county jail. That included renewing a 2026 equitable sharing agreement with federal agencies and approving contracts to reimburse the jail’s nurse practitioner and physician for malpractice insurance, DEA certification, and related costs.
The board also approved a 2026 STOP-DWI services agreement with FLACRA for $7,000 and formally adopted the county’s 2026 STOP-DWI budget and plan.
Dog control agreements with nine towns were renewed for 2026, allowing the Sheriff’s Office to continue providing those services.
Agriculture and land use
The Legislature approved changes to Yates County Agricultural District No. 1, recommending the addition of eight parcels totaling 493.6 acres of viable farmland.
The request followed a review by the county’s Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board and will now move to the state Commissioner of Agriculture for final consideration.
Artificial intelligence policy withdrawn
Lawmakers withdrew a proposed resolution that would have formally adopted a countywide Artificial Intelligence Use Policy.
Although the policy text was included in the meeting materials, the Legislature did not take action to approve it during this session.
Technology and data contracts
Several technology-related contracts also received approval.
The Legislature authorized the IT Director to purchase an $8,000 leadership seminar from ePlus Technology focused on artificial intelligence planning. A separate contract with ePlus, totaling $12,694, was approved for work related to new host servers.
Lawmakers also approved a GIS data services agreement with VHB Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture for up to $1,180 through the end of 2026.
Budget transfers and aid appropriations
The board approved multiple 2025 budget transfers across county departments, shifting funds to cover staffing, utilities, training, and equipment costs.
Legislators also appropriated additional aid for Community Services, Social Services, and the Highway Department. That included funding tied to mental health programs, opioid settlement funds, federal sharing revenue, and highway repair needs.
Contracts for legal services
The District Attorney and Legislature chair received authorization to sign a new agreement with NMS Labs for toxicology and controlled substance testing.
The board also approved a 2026 contract with Cyndy Rochford to serve as Assigned Counsel Administrator for conflict cases involving indigent defendants, at a cost of $102,842 for the year.
Employee pay and benefits
One of the most significant actions involved employee compensation.
The Legislature adopted 2026 salary schedules for non-union exempt employees and wage schedules for non-union non-exempt employees, both effective Jan. 1. The resolutions set annual salaries and hourly rates for dozens of county positions.
Lawmakers also approved up to $5,000 for Yates County to sponsor Leadership Yates County programming and allow two employees to participate.
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