The Seneca County Local Development Corporation will return to its draft economic development strategy and begin reviewing its 2027 budget at an Oct. 1 meeting, following a special session that focused on stalled projects, countywide coordination and faster approvals.
The board's regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Lyons National Bank Community Room, 2433 Route 414 in Waterloo, according to the meeting packet. The agenda also calls for updates on the Finger Lakes Regional Airport, the Ovid Local Development Corporation and the Willard property; none of those agenda entries announces a new decision.
Strategy discussion continues
RKG and Associates is listed for a debrief of its Sept. 23 meeting with the board. At that special session, the consultant presented a draft strategy, and members discussed both ways to move stalled projects and how to build capacity for future development, according to minutes included in the packet. The board took no formal action on the draft.
Members discussed coordination among the county, municipalities, the development corporation and other economic development partners. They also emphasized differing conditions in northern and southern Seneca County and considered how tourism could encourage visitors to spend more time at restaurants, shops and cultural sites.
Faster, more predictable project approvals emerged as a possible early priority. Board members revisited a Sept. 10 discussion with county Code Enforcement Director Lee Earp about making permitting guidance clearer for residents and businesses. That earlier conversation included checklists, a process diagram, more accessible outreach and a referral network that could connect applicants with the right office. No permitting action was approved.
The special-meeting discussion also raised Finger Lakes Community College's potential role in customized training. Laura Ortiz was to seek a conversation between RKG and college representatives, while Ave Bauder was to share the final draft of Ovid's comprehensive plan with the consultant. Members may submit further comments, and the board plans to continue reviewing the strategy. Bauder also suggested a countywide economic summit; the minutes describe it as an idea, not an approved event.
Budget and project updates
The Oct. 1 agenda calls for a treasurer's report, financial statements, an auditor update and a review of the 2027 budget. At its Sept. 10 meeting, the board approved an August treasurer's report showing a $194,800.45 ending balance. It also unanimously selected The Bonadio Group as its independent auditor; the firm's proposal listed $5,000 to $10,000 for the 2026 audit, depending on the corporation's activity.
The board previously discussed a county request for a letter supporting its 2027 funding request, but had not approved a requested amount. It also had questions pending with county officials about a proposed county contract and took no contract action. Those matters provide context for the coming budget review, though the Oct. 1 agenda does not list a specific vote on either.
At the September regular meeting, members heard that a new manager had been hired for the Finger Lakes Regional Airport and was expected to start soon, but no major new airport development was reported. Bauder said Ovid's comprehensive plan was nearing completion and that a public information session was planned; a Downtown Ovid redevelopment grant was being delayed until the planning process finished. No Willard property update was reported at that meeting.
The Oct. 1 agenda also includes approval of the Sept. 10 minutes, board-member announcements and a possible executive session. Tracy Verrier of Red Clover is expected to return. The packet does not specify any proposed resolution or outcome for those items.
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