The Seneca County Board of Supervisors approved a slate of measures this week covering public health, aging services, infrastructure, tourism funding, and county operations during a meeting that moved quickly and with little debate.
The Board of Supervisors also adopted an updated information technology security policy, accepting an amendment that requires formal review and approval by the county IT Department before certain generative AI systems may be used.
The meeting opened with Cornell Cooperative Extension leadership introducing Rachel Williams as the organization’s new executive director. Williams, a lifelong Seneca County resident who grew up on a dairy farm, said the agency would continue its work with agriculture, environmental education, recycling, composting, Farm to School programs, and county departments.
Supervisors also heard from one resident during public comment who urged the board to take steps to protect polling places from voter intimidation.
Supervisor Elizabeth Partee said the county’s Budget Task Force recently met with three departments to review services, revenue sources and cost pressures. He said the group plans to meet with three more departments next month and is watching overtime, which is slightly over budget through the first quarter.
The board accepted a $750,000 state grant to improve Family Court representation through the Public Defender’s Office. Supervisors also approved 2026 budget amendments, including adjustments within the Department of Human Services and Real Property Tax Services.
Several health-related measures were approved, including funding for Office for the Aging programs, an expansion of senior transportation services, and a two-year contract with Credible Mind to provide a mental health support platform for county residents. The board also recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Supervisors authorized the Health Department to apply for and accept a mini grant aimed at improving childhood vaccination access, including outreach to Plain communities. The board also approved a $50,000 billing software purchase for the county’s state-mandated preschool special education program, an occupational therapy agreement, and transportation services for children in early intervention and preschool special education programs.
The board approved filling vacant speech language pathologist and physical therapist positions in the Health Department at above-starting rates, citing waiting lists for children who qualify for services but are not currently receiving them.
In public works, the board authorized bids for countywide recyclable materials pickup, approved an engineering contract for the County Road 119 bridge over Kendig Creek, and awarded Casella Waste Management a $29,052 annual contract for trash and recycling removal at county buildings.
Supervisors also approved a public hearing for adding a 30.3-acre Waterloo parcel to Agricultural District No. 6 and commemorated Lake Friendly Living Awareness Month.
Other actions included approving the purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer for the Code Enforcement Office, authorizing grants tied to historical records and markers, accepting regional hazardous materials grants, and approving a University of Rochester grant to support treatment of opioid use disorder at the Seneca County Correctional Facility.
The board also approved tourism grants of $2,500 each for the Interlaken Fire Department’s annual auto show and flea market and the Ovid Strawberry Festival fireworks.
Supervisors ended the public portion of the meeting by entering executive session to discuss proposed, pending or current litigation. No action was expected afterward.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].