Yates County Legislature approves vote-by-mail grant contract; committees act on opiate funds, broadband bid, and road agreement
The Yates County Legislature unanimously adopted two resolutions on July 13 authorizing the chair to sign election-related grant contracts, including a $5,622.06 vote-by-mail grant contract and a $134.61 electronic poll book contract. The votes were part of a busy two-week stretch in which county committees also approved a separate account for opiate settlement funds, a Haggerty Road laneway use agreement, and set the stage for a $2.6 million broadband expansion bid.
Legislature: Election contracts approved unanimously
At its July 13 meeting, the Yates County Legislature approved the June 8 minutes and payment of the audit, both by unanimous vote. The body then adopted Resolution 280–26, authorizing the chair to sign an electronic poll book contract for $134.61, and Resolution 281–26, authorizing the chair to sign a vote-by-mail grant contract for $5,622.06. All votes were unanimous.
A separate agenda item, Resolution RS 2417-A, would establish standard work days (6–8 hours per day) and reporting requirements for elected and appointed officials to the New York State and Local Retirement System. The form is a blank template with no specific names, dates, or work hours filled in. It requires certification by the secretary or clerk and a 30-day public posting. Minutes for this item have not yet been published.
Government Operations: Six grant authorizations forwarded
The Government Operations Committee approved its June 1 minutes and authorized forwarding six authorizations for the Chair of the Legislature to sign grant program contracts. Those cover the Electronic Poll Book, Vote-by-Mail, Ballot-by-Mail extension, 2025 General Election extension, 2024 General Election extension, and Absentee Ballot Pre-Paid Postage extension. The committee also approved a resolution recognizing the Town of Torrey's 175th anniversary, to be placed in a time capsule. Pat Killen and Leigh MacKerchar were assigned to conduct the committee audit this month.
Human Services: Opiate settlement account and multiple agreements
The Human Services Committee approved a resolution to create a separate account for opiate settlement funds. The committee also authorized the Chair of the Legislature to sign agreements with LexisNexis Services; NYSARC Inc. for preschool transportation; Penn Yan Central School District for Preschool Special Education and JUUL Settlement Funds; Dundee Central School District for JUUL Settlement Funds; the Village of Penn Yan for CAI Grant Funds; and Common Ground Health. The committee authorized proclamations for August 4 as U.S. Coast Guard Birthday and August 7, 2026 as National Purple Heart Day in Yates County.
Public Works: Haggerty Road agreement and pine tree removal
The Public Works Committee approved a laneway use agreement for Haggerty Road in Potter and approved the removal of a pine tree for First Baptist Church. No vote tallies were provided for either item. The committee authorized multiple resolutions to proceed to the Legislative Meeting with no objections recorded, and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a proposed lease or purchase of real property.
Finance Committee: Broadband bid and capital plan on agenda
The Finance Committee met July 7 to discuss the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, budget transfers, and aid appropriations. The agenda included a resolution to award the Phase 3 broadband bid to Eustis Cable for $2.6 million. Other items covered Community Services, Public Health, Workforce Development, and Highway budget transfers; renewal of the Yates County Planning Board appointment for S. Purdy; and a public hearing for 2027 Budget Adoption scheduled for November 19 at 6:00 p.m. Minutes have not yet been published, so these items were discussed but not confirmed as decided.
Public Safety Committee: Facility updates and EMS plan reviewed
The Public Safety Committee reviewed monthly statistics and goal progress from the District Attorney, Probation, Emergency Services, and Sheriff's offices. Agenda items included a verbal update on the Public Safety Facility project, development of a countywide EMS coordination plan due mid-December, a proposed animal abuse registry under review by the County attorney, final design phase for a new fire training facility with a construction contract under review, and a report of a vacant ADA position with no current applicants. Minutes have not yet been published.
Coming up
The Yates County Legislature will meet in a special session on July 22, 2026. Members are expected to vote on a motion to convene an executive session to discuss public-safety matters deemed confidential and a proposed real-property acquisition whose value might be affected by publicity.