Yates County lawmakers are strongly opposing a recent decision by the state Division of the Budget concerning reimbursement for their partnership with Cayuga County to utilize a radio tower. This collaboration aimed to enhance communication on the west side of Seneca Lake but has led to a significant financial dispute.
Last week, the Yates County Legislature decided to appeal the state’s decision, which has resulted in the forfeiture of over $250,000 in matching state funds. The radio tower in question, located in Ovid, is owned by Cayuga County. Yates County officials opted to use this existing tower, which they found met their needs, rather than constructing a new one. This decision was projected to save Yates County $298,000 in initial first-year expenses.
Yates County sought reimbursement through a state program that supports municipal collaboration on shared services, aimed at reducing property tax burdens. Although the Division of Local Government Services had initially approved the claimed savings amount, the state Division of the Budget revised the figure to $15,692.
This adjustment, which reduced the savings by $282,000 involved spreading the land purchase costs over 30 years and the construction costs over 10 years.
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