Cayuga County lawmakers will head into this week’s full Legislature meeting after committee sessions highlighted staffing shortages, mixed revenue trends and a series of public safety upgrades — including a grant-funded overhaul of the county’s 911 system.
Many of the resolutions scheduled for a vote were discussed in detail during committee meetings over the past two weeks, providing additional context for items on the agenda.
911 system upgrade part of regional backup plan
Legislators are expected to consider a contract to upgrade the county’s Next Generation 911 phone system. During committee review, emergency communications officials said the project would connect Cayuga and Oswego counties so either dispatch center could handle calls if the other experiences an outage.
Officials said the system would allow operators to log in remotely and operate as if they were in Cayuga County. The project is fully funded through a grant.
The county is also relocating equipment and expanding fiber connections to create a more permanent backup center and move some infrastructure out of its primary facility.
Staffing shortages behind multiple personnel requests
Several hiring resolutions on the agenda stem from ongoing staffing shortages across departments.
Probation officials said the county plans to switch electronic home monitoring providers after finding a lower-cost service, reducing daily monitoring costs significantly.
At the sheriff’s office, difficulty recruiting part-time marine patrol officers has forced the department to rely on overtime from road patrol deputies. Officials said that overtime totaled about $30,000 last year.
The 911 center also reported multiple trainees and remaining vacancies, delaying additional hiring while new staff complete training.
Health department vacancies affecting services
Health department officials told legislators numerous positions remain open, including engineering, environmental health and nutrition roles. As a result, the county underspent portions of its public health budget because positions were unfilled.
Several agenda items would allow the county to fill or reclassify positions tied to environmental health and social services programs, as well as expand assisted outpatient treatment services under Kendra’s Law funding.
Revenue outlook mixed
Financial updates to the Ways & Means Committee showed occupancy tax revenue finished close to projections at about $1.26 million.
Sales tax revenue, however, is projected to fall short by roughly $535,000 compared to expectations. Officials also reported the county has begun receiving adult-use cannabis sales tax revenue, though collections were minimal in the first quarter after a new dispensary opened late in the reporting period.
Technology and administrative upgrades planned
Additional resolutions include cybersecurity software renewals, maintenance of the county’s financial software system and creation of a database to track boards and agency memberships.
Officials described the items as routine operational needs necessary to maintain compliance, data security and recordkeeping.
Theater surcharge expected to draw most attention
The agenda also includes a proposed surcharge on tickets sold at the Emerson Park Playhouse. Unlike most other items, lawmakers will hold a public hearing before voting on the measure.
Most remaining resolutions involve staffing approvals, contracts, or grant-funded projects that were reviewed in committee without significant opposition.
The Legislature is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening in Auburn.
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