The Cayuga County Legislature will revisit a controversial proposal to change health insurance coverage for county retirees Tuesday as lawmakers consider hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional public safety overtime funding and a $7 million financing proposal for a new medical facility.
The Legislature’s 10 a.m. meeting at Emerson Park Pavilion includes dozens of resolutions covering employee benefits, public safety, economic development and health services. Among the most significant is a revised proposal that would move Medicare-eligible retirees and participating spouses from existing Excellus BlueCross BlueShield coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
The insurance proposal returns after an earlier resolution was tabled in September. Under the revised measure, eligible retirees and spouses would receive coverage through Medicare Blue PPO, which county officials say provides substantially comparable benefits at a significantly lower premium cost.
The proposal also establishes premium contributions for current and future retirees who are not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Those retirees would pay 5% of the premium for individual coverage and an additional 10% for an eligible spouse.
However, the revised language would preserve the county’s ability to modify or replace insurance carriers and coverage arrangements in the future, subject to applicable laws and agreements.
The issue has generated concerns about the potential effects on retirees. Correspondence submitted to legislators by Marianne Pizzitola, president of the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees, raises questions about Medicare Advantage provider networks, prior authorization requirements, access to medical care and plan costs.
Lawmakers will have an opportunity to reconsider the measure Tuesday, potentially resolving a significant decision affecting retired county employees and their families.
Staffing shortages drive overtime requests
Public safety staffing will also be a major focus, with two departments seeking budget adjustments totaling $425,000 to address overtime pressures.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting authorization to transfer $300,000 from the county’s general fund balance into its jail overtime account. According to the proposed resolution, numerous staffing vacancies have left the department without sufficient funding to cover overtime needed to maintain mandatory staffing levels through the end of the year.
The request would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.
Separately, Cayuga County’s 911 center is seeking to transfer $125,000 from its regular salary budget into overtime. That department is also dealing with vacancies and mandatory overtime, although the proposed transfer would use money already budgeted for positions that have gone unfilled.
The Legislature will consider authorizing the replacement of a vacant supervising emergency services dispatcher position. The accompanying resolution warns that continued staffing shortages could increase pressure on existing employees and affect the timeliness of emergency responses.
Additional public safety proposals include $160,792 for jail management and security system support, $11,261 for six dispatcher chairs and $8,340 for replacement radios in two Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles.
Medical facility project seeks $7 million financing approval
A separate resolution would authorize the Cayuga County Development Corporation to issue up to $7 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for East Hill Family Medical Inc.
The financing would support the acquisition and redevelopment of an approximately 20,000-square-foot facility on 7.4 acres at 360 Grant Avenue Road in the town of Sennett.
Plans call for renovating and improving the property to accommodate primary care, dental services, behavioral health treatment, clinical support areas and administrative offices. Improvements would also include building systems, parking and other site work.
The bonds would be obligations of the development corporation rather than debts of Cayuga County. Legislative approval is required to qualify the financing for federal tax-exempt treatment.
Economic development and senior services on agenda
Lawmakers will also consider several economic development initiatives, including an $18,000 agreement supporting a shared website and customer relationship management system for local economic development organizations.
Another resolution would distribute $34,000 in remaining 2026 economic development funding among the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency, Cayuga County Development Corporation and Small Business Development Center to reimburse expenses associated with business assistance, consulting and other services.
At Emerson Park, the county is seeking approval to award a contract for a small solar array funded entirely through a state clean energy grant. The proposed project carries a maximum cost of $76,415.
The Office for the Aging is also requesting authorization to seek bids for its senior nutrition program, which provides meals to approximately 350 older residents daily across Cayuga County. The current vendor agreement expires at the end of December, and officials say selecting and implementing a new contract will require careful planning to avoid service disruptions.
In social services, the Legislature will consider authorizing recruitment for a new commissioner ahead of the current commissioner’s planned retirement Dec. 30. Lawmakers will also consider accepting $63,167 in state funding to help eligible households address overdue housing payments and avoid eviction.
Other proposals would establish salaries for the sheriff and coroner for terms beginning in 2027, accept opioid settlement funding designated for Auburn and authorize additional staffing for children’s mental health services.
The meeting will also include Student Government Day, with students from several Cayuga County school districts participating alongside legislators.
The Legislature meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Emerson Park Pavilion, 6879 East Lake Road in Auburn.
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