The Yates County Legislature approved a broad slate of resolutions Monday afternoon, formally adopting a countywide artificial intelligence policy, ratifying a new multi-year labor agreement, authorizing multiple contracts and appointments, and scheduling a public hearing on the county’s draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence in honor of former legislator Pat Flynn, followed by routine business, committee reports, and public comment. Legislators then moved through a lengthy consent agenda covering public safety, labor, human services, infrastructure, and administrative matters.
Among the most notable actions, the Legislature unanimously adopted a Yates County Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, establishing rules for ethical and responsible use of AI by county employees and elected officials. The policy prohibits the use of protected or confidential data in AI systems, requires human review of AI-generated content, mandates transparency when AI is used, and limits approved platforms to tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Canva unless otherwise authorized by IT.
Legislators also ratified a successor collective bargaining agreement with the CO 82 Corrections-Other unit, covering the period from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2030, and authorized the execution of the contract and related expenditures.
Public safety and emergency services
Several resolutions focused on emergency services and law enforcement. The Legislature approved a full slate of appointments to the Yates County EMS Advisory Board and authorized the chair to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Village of Dundee to house a county ambulance and staff at no cost to the county.
Lawmakers also authorized the creation and filling of a new full-time deputy sheriff position, citing operational needs within the Sheriff’s Office. The position carries an estimated annual cost ranging from approximately $83,500 to $110,400, depending on benefits.
Human services and opioid settlement funding
The Legislature approved multiple contracts funded through state aid and opioid settlement proceeds. These included agreements with Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling and Referral Agency (FLACRA) for drop-in mental health services and for housing support, a contract with Our Town Rocks for harm-reduction and educational materials, and funding for the Credible Mind wellness website through the Yates County Public Health Department.
Legislators also authorized a contract with Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston to provide one-on-one youth mentoring services during 2026 and approved a childcare registration services agreement with Child and Family Resources.
Appointments and administrative actions
A series of appointments and reappointments were approved, including members to the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, the Region 8 Fish and Wildlife Management Board, and multiple seats on the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board.
The Legislature also designated The Chronicle Express and The Observer as Yates County’s official newspapers for 2026, with the Finger Lakes Times named as an alternate, and voted to move the October 2026 legislative meeting from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13 due to the Columbus Day holiday.
Infrastructure, contracts, and capital items
On the infrastructure side, legislators declared surplus several pieces of highway equipment, extended the county’s fuel supply contract, and approved multiple engineering and technical support agreements tied to tax mapping, broadband grant applications, and airport improvements at the Penn Yan–Yates County Airport.
The Legislature also authorized acceptance of a consultant agreement for runway lighting replacement at the airport, supported largely through federal and state grant funding, and approved a five-year county website hosting and support renewal contract.
Solid waste public hearing scheduled
To conclude the meeting, legislators approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on the draft Yates County Local Solid Waste Management Plan, a 10-year strategy aimed at reducing and managing solid waste. The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers, with a public comment period opening in early February.
No executive session was reported following the conclusion of regular business.
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