A routine legislative meeting turned busy as Yates County lawmakers approved a long list of resolutions, including a new artificial intelligence policy, multiple contracts, and several board appointments. The Yates County Legislature met Jan. 12 and worked through financial items, public safety decisions, and county operations.
Chairwoman Leslie Church opened the meeting at 1 p.m. and asked for a moment of silence in honor of former legislator Pat Flynn. Legislators also recognized longtime county employees and named Sean McDonald as Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Lawmakers approved more than $5.7 million in audited claims for January, covering departments ranging from public safety to human services and public works. They also adjusted committee assignments, moving Sarah Purdy to Government Operations and Bill Holgate to Public Safety.
One of the most discussed items was the adoption of a countywide artificial intelligence use policy. The policy sets rules for how county employees and officials may use tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Canva, while prohibiting the use of AI with protected or confidential data. Legislator Terry Button cast the only “no” vote, saying he had not heard feedback from department heads or employees. The resolution still passed by a wide margin.
The legislature also authorized the sheriff to create and fill a new full-time deputy sheriff position, citing staffing needs. In addition, lawmakers ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the CO 82 Corrections-Other unit, covering the years 2026 through 2030.
Several resolutions focused on contracts and funding. Legislators approved agreements tied to opioid settlement funds, including housing services, harm reduction efforts, and mental health resources. They also approved contracts for website hosting, employee assistance services, broadband engineering work, and airport runway lighting improvements.
Board appointments made up a large portion of the agenda. The legislature filled seats on the Yates County EMS Advisory Board, the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board. Most votes passed unanimously, with a few legislators abstaining where required.
Lawmakers also scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 9 to gather input on the county’s draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan outlines how the county aims to manage and reduce solid waste over the next 10 years.
The meeting ended with additional budget transfers, surplus equipment declarations, and funding approvals, wrapping up a packed agenda with no public comment offered.
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