Wayne County committees act on staffing, grants, and public works; Board of Supervisors to weigh $350,000 settlement
Wayne County committees advanced a broad slate of staffing, grant, and contract actions over the past two weeks, while the Board of Supervisors prepares to vote on a $350,000 automobile accident settlement and several major funding items on July 21.
Public Safety Committee fills key posts, approves grants and equipment
The Public Safety Committee approved 13 items on July 7, all by 5-0 votes. Actions included creating a second Assistant Public Defender position contingent on Pay Plan Committee approval, adding a part-time attorney funded by a DCJS block grant, and reclassifying EMS positions with a budget amendment. The committee approved an agreement with Rochester Regional Health for critical care transport, a payroll and scheduling software subscription, and the appointment of an interim Director of Disaster Preparedness. Grant actions included the 2025 State Homeland Security and FY2025 EMPG grants, the NYS FY26 COPS Hiring Program grant application, and FY25 Stonegarden grant funds. Equipment purchases approved included an all-terrain emergency response vehicle and a replacement drone. The committee also approved a school resource officer agreement with Lyons Central School District.
Government Operations Committee acts on overlapping staffing changes
On July 9, the Government Operations Committee approved several staffing changes that mirror items from Public Safety, including filling the second Assistant Public Defender position while abolishing a Grade 9 position, creating the additional part-time attorney and amending the 2026 Public Defender budget, and abolishing and creating positions within Wayne County EMS. The committee also approved appointing the interim Director of Disaster Preparedness, establishing a standard work day and reporting resolution for officials, TIER and absentee postage grant extension applications, a GIS department contract extension, and creating and filling a First Assistant County Attorney position. All votes were 5-0.
Finance Committee creates Tax Map Technician role, tables audit procedure
The Finance Committee approved eight items on July 14, including creation of a Tax Map Technician position, a sole-source contract for Laserfiche maintenance, renewal of antivirus software, and a contract for independent audit services. The committee also approved payment of a NYMIR invoice and settlement of a claim. A resolution on audit claim review procedures was tabled for further discussion. All approved items passed 5-0.
Public Works Committee tables Port Bay REDI bid
The Public Works Committee tabled a resolution to award a bid for the Port Bay REDI Project on July 8, citing concerns about funding shortfalls and long-term maintenance costs. Approved items included an agreement with E2Companies LLC for a microgrid study, a lease agreement with Verizon Wireless, rescinding Resolution 285-26 regarding generator maintenance, declaring vehicles and equipment surplus, employee CDL license reimbursements, and setting the 2027 hourly rate for Central Garage mechanical work. Approved votes were 5-0.
Health & Medical and Human Services committees approve contracts and amendments
The Health & Medical Services Committee approved a Public Health budget amendment for Community Accessibility and Inclusion Funding, purchase of ADA-compliant picnic tables using grant funds, an application for the NYS Rural Community Health Integration Grant, and renewal of the Inovalon Provider Inc. patient statements agreement, among other items. The committee authorized staff to prepare a resolution for a county-operated Early Intervention provider model to address service gaps.
The Human Services Committee approved a budget amendment for Veterans Services Agency office supplies and software, a contract with Wayne County school districts for the FACT program for 2026-2027, an agreement with Cornell Cooperative Extension for health promotion programs, an agreement with LPi for the Aging and Youth newsletter, an out-of-state travel request for AOA Trainers Academy in New Mexico, and an agreement with Ivan and Izacs for DSS vehicle detailing. All votes were 4-0.
Economic Development & Planning Committee accepts EPA loan fund award
On July 8, the committee approved applying for the NYS Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Grant and accepting an EPA Revolving Loan Fund Award while extending its agreement with the Wayne Economic Development Corporation. Both passed 5-0. Members also reviewed updates on broadband completion, tourism initiatives, farmland protection planning, and anticipated state economic development funding.
Coming up
- **July 20 — Wayne County Industrial Development Agency:** Will consider a resolution authorizing commitment of funds for a derelict property study, plus performance measures and fiscal reports.
- **July 20 — Wayne Economic Development Corporation:** Board will review project updates and reports; David Fantuzzo leads the meeting.
- **July 21 — Board of Supervisors:** Will vote on a $350,000 NYMIR payment for an automobile accident settlement, a $5,000 inmate claim settlement, a $58,005.75 antivirus software renewal, and acceptance of homeland security and emergency management grants.
- **July 22 — Wayne County Planning Board:** Will consider a special permit for a 3 MW solar facility on 60 acres at 3605 N Creek Rd in the Town of Palmyra, plus flood zone development standards for Macedon, Marion, Lyons, Palmyra, Arcadia, and the Village of Newark.