Yates County legislators approved up to $400,000 in state funding for septic system replacements Monday while also moving nearly $400,000 in highway aid into the county budget and shifting the August meeting to the evening.
The July 13 meeting produced 36 adopted resolutions and one failed measure, touching public health, schools, workforce programs, airport work and the Ferguson Corners Road bridge project.
Septic, highway and workforce funds
The Legislature authorized participation in the fifth round of the state Septic System Replacement Fund after Yates County received an award of up to $400,000. The county Planning Department will administer assistance in state-designated priority geographic areas.
Eligible property owners may be reimbursed for up to 50% of an eligible septic project, capped at $10,000. Enhanced septic projects may qualify for reimbursement of up to 75%, capped at $25,000.
Legislators also amended a highway aid resolution to add $399,716.93 in Pave-NY funding. The resolution directs $300,000 to bituminous materials, $80,000 to stone and gravel, $18,691.93 to additional bituminous materials and $1,025 to crack sealing.
Other funding actions included $204,261.75 in additional Community Services revenue for programs and client expenses, including allocations to Catholic Charities, Lakeview, Mozaic and Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes. The Legislature also appropriated $89,695 for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Summer Youth Employment Program and allocated $154,725.91 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for adult, dislocated worker and youth services from July 2026 through June 2027.
Schools and public health
Penn Yan and Dundee school districts may each receive up to $8,958.74 in JUUL settlement funds to purchase and install two HALO Smart Sensor vape detectors. Both agreements run through Dec. 31.
The county also approved an agreement of up to $10,000 with Common Ground Health for youth vaping mapping and geographic information system services. A separate agreement allows the village of Penn Yan to receive up to $17,000 in accessibility grant funding for an inclusive outdoor music center at Indian Pines Park.
Public Health was authorized to contract with Mozaic for transportation of preschool children with disabilities from September 2026 through August 2027. Daily rates are $225 per child for Happiness House in Canandaigua, $175 for Happiness House in Geneva and $64.50 for Keuka Lake School.
The Legislature approved agreements with the Penn Yan school district for preschool special education services through the end of 2026. It also reclassified two existing Public Health positions, appointing Emily End as senior public health educator and Brittany Czworka as senior public health specialist. Both positions are fully reimbursed by the state and do not add to the department's number of full-time positions.
Eligible Public Health employees will also be able to use flexible start and end times and compressed workweek options under a pilot agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association. The program must maintain department coverage and does not create additional overtime, compensatory time or premium-pay rights.
Airport, elections and county operations
The county approved a consulting agreement of up to $64,000 with C&S Companies for construction observation and administration during replacement of runway end identifier lights on Runway 1-19 at the Penn Yan-Yates County Airport. The underlying project received $171,237 from the Federal Aviation Administration and $4,507 from the state Department of Transportation, leaving a $4,506 county share.
Legislators also authorized outside legal counsel for airport matters and approved six state election grant contracts or extensions totaling $16,928.34. The election money covers electronic poll books, voting by mail, ballot-by-mail expenses, general election costs and prepaid absentee ballot postage, with the agreements extending through March 31, 2027.
The county will use Auctions International for online sales of properties acquired through tax foreclosure for delinquent 2021 or 2022 liens. The agreement calls for a 6% commission added to the purchaser's high bid, with 4% remitted to the county as revenue.
Additional actions included reappointing Sarah Purdy to the county Planning Board through August 2029, declaring a 2020 Volvo excavator surplus and recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Town of Torrey's establishment.
Bridge measure fails, August meeting moves
A resolution to rescind prior authorization for a double-lane temporary bridge during the Ferguson Corners Road bridge rehabilitation project failed. The resolution record did not provide a vote count.
The Legislature changed its Aug. 10 meeting from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers after receiving community requests for evening meetings.
The county also proclaimed Aug. 4 as Coast Guard Birthday in Yates County and Aug. 7 as National Purple Heart Day, recognizing service members and veterans.
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