Yates County lawmakers approved a new public information role, several infrastructure projects and multiple contracts during their meeting Monday in Penn Yan.
The legislature authorized the creation of a part-time Public Information Officer and Program Coordinator position shared between the county administrator and sheriff’s office.
Officials said the position will help coordinate public communications and manage training and grant compliance tied to the county’s Threat Assessment Management Training program. The position will cost up to $45,688 annually, with about half expected to be reimbursed through grant funding.
Lawmakers also approved multiple highway contracts tied to upcoming road projects. Villager Construction Inc. won bids for cold milling and crushing work on several county roads, while Midland Asphalt Materials Inc. received a contract for paver-placed surface treatment.
Additional contracts for liquid asphalt materials and equipment rentals were split among Vestal Asphalt, Suit-Kote Corporation and Midland Asphalt Materials.
Several airport-related actions were approved as well. Legislators accepted federal and state funding for improvements at the Penn Yan–Yates County Airport, including runway rehabilitation design work, new snow removal equipment, wildlife fencing and upgrades to runway lighting systems.
The county also authorized consultant agreements with C&S Companies to prepare environmental reviews for future projects to replace electrical systems and rehabilitate Taxiway B at the airport.
In other business, the legislature approved a contract with Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes to provide non-residential domestic violence services through the Department of Social Services at a cost not to exceed $38,128.
Lawmakers also appointed Jack Young of Dundee to the Yates County Planning Board and renewed planning board terms for Steve Hullings and Chandra Gilman.
The legislature proclaimed April as Donate Life Month and March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Yates County.
Additional resolutions authorized broadband equipment purchases for the county’s ReConnect fiber project, consulting services for the sheriff’s office, employee benefit agreements and several administrative actions.
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