The Yates County Legislature approved a series of resolutions Monday covering public health, infrastructure, elections, workforce development, and county operations.
Among the most significant actions, lawmakers accepted a $400,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to continue the county’s participation in the Round 5 State Septic System Replacement Program. Eligible property owners in designated priority areas may qualify for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible septic replacement costs, up to $10,000, or up to 75% of enhanced system costs, up to $25,000. The Planning Department will administer the program.
The Legislature also approved agreements using JUUL settlement funds to reimburse the Penn Yan and Dundee school districts for installing two HALO Smart Sensor vape detectors at each district. Each district will receive up to $8,958.74 for the project.
In another public health initiative, legislators authorized a $17,000 agreement with the Village of Penn Yan to install an inclusive outdoor music center at Indian Pines Park using Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs Community Accessibility and Inclusion grant funding.
Lawmakers approved several personnel actions, including creating a full-time caseworker position for the county’s Court-Based Navigator Program following the completion of a trainee’s probationary period. The position is fully funded through New York State and supports individuals with mental health challenges involved in the criminal justice system.
The Legislature also reclassified two Public Health Department positions, promoting Emily End to Senior Public Health Educator and Brittany Czworka to Senior Public Health Specialist. Both positions are fully reimbursed by New York State and do not increase county staffing levels.
Other actions included:
- Accepting several state election grants for electronic poll books, vote-by-mail, absentee ballots, and general election expenses.
- Authorizing transportation and preschool special education service agreements.
- Approving funding for workforce development, public health, community services, and highway projects.
- Authorizing legal and engineering contracts related to the Penn Yan-Yates County Airport.
- Declaring a 2020 Volvo excavator as surplus for future sale.
The Legislature also adopted several proclamations, recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Town of Torrey, proclaiming Aug. 4 as U.S. Coast Guard Birthday in Yates County, and designating Aug. 7 as National Purple Heart Day.
To encourage greater public participation, legislators voted to move their Aug. 10 meeting from its usual 1 p.m. start time to 6 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers.
