Steuben County committees approve $1.68M guiderail project, $1.3M communications grant in July meetings
Steuben County committees moved forward on several public safety and infrastructure items in early July, including a $1.68 million guiderail replacement project and acceptance of a $1.32 million state communications grant. The Administration and Finance committees met July 14, but minutes from those meetings have not yet been published.
Public Safety & Corrections Committee — July 6
The committee approved a series of grant acceptances, contract renewals, and personnel changes, all by 4-0 votes.
The largest item was acceptance of the SFY25/26 State Interoperable Communication Grant of $1,323,874.00, which funds emergency communications infrastructure. The committee also accepted the SFY25 SHSP Grant of $69,656.00 and the SFY25 Local Emergency Management Planning Grant of $34,253.00.
For the backup 911 Center, the committee authorized a Motorola contract for radio equipment totaling $346,125.74 and an Intrado contract for phone equipment totaling $117,179.80.
Personnel actions included reclassifying a part-time Assistant District Attorney Trainee to full-time Management Grade I. The committee also authorized an amendment to School Resource Officer contracts increasing annual reimbursement to $50,000.00.
Other approved items: a 2025-2027 Bullet Proof Vest Grant of $8,697.79 per year, a Crash Data Group software license renewal at $1,500.00 annually, an Axon payment of $27,672.00 for drone air storage and fund transfer, a Tyler contract renewal for the Records Management System, an Occustar contract renewal for Corning City Hazmat Team physicals, and a District Attorney contract renewal with the Institute for Human Services.
The committee's summary noted discussions about potential deputy staffing increases.
Public Works Committee — July 6
The committee approved a $1.68 million guiderail replacement project, funded largely by a $1,596,000 Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan Grant from the state. The committee created the Guiderail Replacement Capital Project and appropriated $1,680,000 in total funds. All votes were 4-0.
Members also authorized an addendum to transfer carbon credit ownership from WAGA back to the County under the landfill gas rights agreement, and awarded a gas well pipe installation bid to Core and Main for $17,118.03.
The committee declared Bradco Supply Company a non-responsive bidder and awarded the traffic sign/delineator bid to Osburn Associates, Inc. It rescinded a street sign post bid award to Canuck Power, Inc. due to non-responsiveness, and extended an overhead garage door services award to Overhead Door Co., Elmira through July 6, 2027.
A $6,000 addition for a Line Boring Kit with Drill was authorized for Highway Major Equipment.
Administration & Finance Committees — July 14
Both committees met July 14, but only agendas are available; minutes have not been published, so no decisions can be confirmed.
The Administration Committee agenda listed appointing an Assistant Public Defender to full-time at $101,745, creating two Deputy Sheriff positions at a range of $59,869–$80,906, approving the 2027 Workers' Compensation Budget, awarding an Auctioneering Services RFP, and reviewing a City of Corning claim.
The Finance Committee agenda included items also acted on by the Public Works and Public Safety committees, including the $1,596,000 Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan Grant, the $1,323,874 State Interoperable Communications Grant, the Guiderail Replacement Capital Project, and the $8,697.79 Bullet Proof Vest Grant. The committee also planned to set the date and terms for the 2026 Delinquent Real Property Tax Auction.
Coming up
- **July 27 — Public Hearings:** The Steuben County Legislature will hold a public hearing on Local Law Tentatively No. Eight for the Year 2026, which proposes amending the Steuben County Charter to reflect adoption of the Steuben County General Codes. Proposed charter sections cover the County Legislature, County Manager, and various county departments.