[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6092117,"mediaKeyId","2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63","parentId",2856560,"title","Legislature approves multiple routine contracts, sets public hearings and debates staff stipends and wind‑project escrow","audioSeconds",1545,"startMs",7110000,"endMs",8655000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63&start=7110&end=8655","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63/thumbnail_7110000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6092117/Cayuga-County/New-York/Legislature-approves-multiple-routine-contracts-sets-public-hearings-and-debates-staff-stipends-and-windproject-escrow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092117-fc4df1b3e72e8b2ee478ba833a5f0588/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154795&Signature=SpsHcfgsTpHLXT3qI4SGyzNB668pSIMRKINPEF8rGNh64jklSWlBw6lNq6y-rjZysIjtVP0QiX0ORFyMVtXV16WRu~Z1fi8ZHEJWCtgZhYYXBF-8g~loaQhBQwjXiWsJwLQcKdqd81Z88NVwHnt~ZHNPsKoMvq0gk-5dSSMjuGIO918C-VQZFDtkryxzllyc-iLpTDsy4K9XMmQo~KJ61jc-bc~~JDuW~HbdrEAWnrh2T77j2JfTI0wPxdnjVRmtvbCvDgGf0J6~WIr-n2fb0tadnqsGZktePnU4zt3ll2zyo7eGkqzcwOLQnEejMXqmxF7C~DBKd6zmgH53Ey94qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cayuga County, NY","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Cayuga County Legislature approved a series of committee resolutions on routine contracts, staffing realignments and capital appropriations, set a public hearing on a proposed motor‑vehicle use tax and debated two higher-profile issues: an escrow agreement tied to a wind‑project road‑protection escrow and a stipend package for staff who provided overtime assistance to the Department of Social Services.

Most committee bundles approved: Committees placed a number of routine or previously reviewed contract and budget resolutions on the floor as bundles and the Legislature approved them. That included contract renewals and budgeted hires in Health & Human Services, several planning and Emerson Park appropriations, public-works contracts and extensions of bid awards for highway materials and services.

Wind-project escrow (WM1): The Legislature voted to authorize an escrow agreement to fund outside consultants to evaluate road impacts and negotiate road‑use protections tied to a proposed wind project in the towns of Venice and Scipio. Legislator Mark Strong spoke against the item, saying residents in his district opposed the agreement; the motion ultimately passed. The escrow directs developer deposits to pay outside engineering and, if necessary, legal review so the county can negotiate road agreements and protect county road interests before construction or heavy hauling occurs.

Staff stipends for DSS support (WM4): The Legislature debated a lump-sum stipend arrangement to compensate specific county staff for hours worked in 2024 supporting the Department of Social Services. After an amendment removing an automatic/continuing clause, the resolution as amended authorized one-time stipend payments totaling $13,400 (chief assistant county attorney $5,500; director of finance $6,300; budget director $1,600) and included accounting transfers to implement the payments. The resolution passed after discussion about precedent, timing (the payments covered 2024 work) and oversight.

Vehicles and fleet review (HH4, HH12): Two resolutions authorizing purchase of vehicles for the Health Department were tabled so the Legislature could first review a county-wide fleet usage assessment. Lawmakers noted some county vehicles show very low annual mileage, and members asked that an objective assessment and a fleet-management plan inform purchases.

Motor-vehicle use tax public hearing (GO3): The Legislature set a date of notice for a public hearing on a proposed local vehicle registration/use fee tied to New York law cited in the draft local law. The proposed fee as discussed in the meeting would be small per-vehicle amounts (speakers referenced $5 per year for passenger registrations and $10 for trucks under two‑year registrations as examples), and several legislators said they wanted public input on potential business impacts before any final decision.

County‑clerk staffing changes (GO5, GO6): The Legislature approved reorganizations and temporary assignments in the County Clerk’s office to support operations while the county fills or reorganizes deputy and index/recording roles. One permanent position reclassification (index/recording clerk) and a temporary deputy assignment were approved; the clerk's office indicated budget savings would cover year-one costs.

Other actions (selected): Planning resolution to appropriate Emerson Park Pavilion repair fund (PL5) passed following a public‑hearing process noted earlier in the meeting. Several Human Services and Public Works contract renewals and grants were approved as bundled items. A resolution urging repeal of a state policy (the HALT Act repeal motion presented as Lege 2) also passed; legislators were split during debate on its local impacts on jail operations.

Why it matters: The items affect county staffing budgets, potential local fees, road protections for large projects and the county’s ability to seek grants or manage infrastructure projects. Several items were routine committee referrals but two items (the wind‑project escrow and the stipend resolution) drew extended debate and required amendments or further clarification.

Votes at a glance (selected items from the meeting):

- WM1 — Authorize escrow agreement to fund consultants for wind project (towns of Venice and Scipio). Motion: moved and seconded (motion text as on agenda). Outcome: approved; opposition voiced by Legislator Mark Strong. (Provenance: WM1 discussion and vote.)

- WM2 & WM3 — Abolish and fill vacant HR positions and allow HR to fill an HR associate position. Outcome: approved (bundled). (Provenance: WM2/WM3 committee bundle.)

- WM4 — Authorize one‑time stipends for specified 2024 DSS support (chief assistant county attorney $5,500; director of finance $6,300; budget director $1,600). Outcome: approved as amended; amendment removed an automatic renewal clause. (Provenance: WM4 discussion and roll-call.)

- HH4 & HH12 — Authorize purchases of Health Department vehicles. Outcome: tabled pending fleet assessment (committee requested further review). (Provenance: HH4/HH12 discussion.)

- GO3 — Set day of notice for public hearing on a proposed local motor‑vehicle/use tax (references to New York law included in the draft local law). Outcome: public hearing scheduled (motion passed). (Provenance: GO3 public hearing scheduling.)

- GO5 & GO6 — County Clerk staffing reclassifications and temporary assignments. Outcome: approved; GO5 (create principal account clerk/abolish real property clerk) and GO6 (temporary deputy assignment) passed. (Provenance: GO5/GO6 committee bundle.)

- PL5 — Appropriate Emerson Park Pavilion repair reserve funds and execute agreements for pavilion repairs. Outcome: approved after public‑hearing notice and committee review. (Provenance: PL5 passage.)

- Lege 2 — Resolution asking state repeal of the HALT (solitary confinement) statute as applied to local corrections policy. Outcome: passed; mixed legislative reactions recorded during debate. (Provenance: Lege 2 discussion and vote.)

What legislators said: Mark Strong said residents in the towns affected by the wind project object to moving forward without more local support. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable establishing stipend precedents and amended the language to limit future automatic payments. Supporters of the motor‑vehicle tax said the hearing was necessary to gather public input before policy decisions.

Next steps: Board committees will follow up on the fleet assessment; staff will return with specifics on any staffing or budget implications for ICAP and other human‑services items. The engineering escrow for the wind project is intended to fund outside review and road‑use negotiations; it does not grant the county construction control over the project (zoning remains at the local level).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cayuga County Legislature Meeting - March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Cayuga County Legislature approved a package of committee items, set a public hearing on a proposed motor‑vehicle use tax, tabled two health‑department vehicle purchases pending a fleet review, and approved an escrow to fund consultant review for a proposed wind project after resident objections were raised.","taxTitle","Cayuga County, New York","taxId",68314,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092122,"Engineer outlines map-and-plan for proposed sewer district around Eagle/Cuba Lake; county role limited to approvals and potential funding support",401,2559000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63&start=2559&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63/thumbnail_2559000.jpg","/articles/6092122/Cayuga-County/New-York/Engineer-outlines-map-and-plan-for-proposed-sewer-district-around-EagleCuba-Lake-county-role-limited-to-approvals-and-potential-funding-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092122-613c4b0ea5fd21db3758c0dfd78cd2fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154795&Signature=BrHScttgrcKMN87MwemnaP1NSj2EKEFT-JCuTcOJ4SefKMD21ofI2TG7qodNNAXVcfBkh-iaZJMWKg6GyMoVqQ1DHCUgyGrosnmc~U~cKEtaA30H6YlUv5UDvnL7Y-1Nw1kqt2rdpN7bnBB2F4DIHGMBuAmQQ6N-DBpQv9uMm2hYsaT3rk7zlhhIqO6tJQbhJiTrQlOAbnQGWmOG57SXOPlKTHZyZWQgfYyGCOs1Vd2yFCj6Qb9mfrrw~n5391Enh9LHa-DsZFeqilY31XS2JNiiJBErK14jodisGN4x1ASEhw-wA~OS~T9vJkMP-yh6AFXHXUi6dpgQlhiEDNWWWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John LaBorga of MRD Group told the Cayuga County Legislature he and the Cuba County Water and Sewer Authority hired MRD late in 2024 to prepare a map-and-plan for a sewer district intended to protect Eagle/Cuba Lake and to design a sewer collection system for roughly 450 properties along the proposed corridor.

LaBorga said the map-and-plan will show system layout, needed pump stations and a preliminary cost estimate; the report can be used to apply for state funding and to inform the Legislature if and when the authority asks the county to form a sewer district. He said the district — if formed — would likely be a county sanitary district but that formation and construction are separate steps: the map-and-plan supports grant applications and the Legislature would later decide whether to form the district.

Why it matters: Forming a sewer district could require a capital investment by property owners or the county, depending on the funding mix; the presentation said grant money would substantially reduce direct costs to residents if awarded. LaBorga said the engineering report and preliminary design could be completed this year to be ready for a 2026 funding cycle if the county and towns are prepared.

Key details presented: LaBorga described the district boundaries roughly from the village of Aurora down the east side of the lake to Tompkins County Drive and estimated about 450 properties inside the proposed district. He said the map-and-plan will set the projected construction cost and that the county’s role is to approve the map-and-plan and later choose whether to form a district; he noted formation can proceed with or without an earlier vote by residents (permissive vs. mandatory referendum) depending on the legal path chosen and applicable law.

Local reaction and next steps: Legislators asked whether having the map-and-plan would strengthen grant applications; LaBorga said a completed engineering plan is critical for competitive grant applications and that forming the district before receiving construction funding is not required. He said MRD will continue to meet with town boards, the authority and county staff as the design and costs are refined.

Ending: MRD will provide updates to the Legislature and towns as the map-and-plan is completed; the next steps are cost refinement and developing a funding strategy for possible grant submissions.","MRD Group described a map-and-plan study for a sewer district stretching from the village of Aurora along the east side of the lake to Tompkins County Drive, covering about 450 properties. The map-and-plan will support grant applications and, if chosen, a future county action to form a district and seek construction funding.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092126,"County aging office: Medicare counseling demand surges; staff warn program at capacity",1247,1294000,2541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63&start=1294&end=2541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856560-2c6d7340e371c91cb9eabc2e4a70ed63/thumbnail_1294000.jpg","/articles/6092126/Cayuga-County/New-York/County-aging-office-Medicare-counseling-demand-surges-staff-warn-program-at-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092126-f205279f967c296d95c0b6b529df6880/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154795&Signature=PWukpXn6qxpXR7jb5sKfzkNdjoxTK2h2xsSaltrRVQVb5Y~AbO96FxX56--ljKwpGrSTygOO2z2YdWMNt-8RE-VFRG4awnJSsLBq~eJKZBlJQgX2jO7mzvpJLppWIrovmmmG-18sBa3Hu02f1YG0PgRn0GvaND2EotW6O2F5JHEifxBiljU4~TI0dFV7-8IseE4m0pws2-YcSyAo4wFPGybgAaBjBfP5d-i8C3D6UFp6ZX~RTvzgaSEJWh4AotlLFtNHKNksWOYYzyLq9T8dE5p9JAlOLzupyPCh4CthfUs0qswYgppASeaNbouuWARXGFxq7hKVYhWUQvPqkBGZMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erica Wyman, director of the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, told the Legislature that the county’s Medicare counseling program (ICAP) is seeing a marked increase in demand and complexity and that staffing and training needs are straining the office.

Wyman said the program offers three core services: monthly group “Medicare 101” classes, confidential one-on-one counseling and an annual enrollment assistance period from October through December. Nicole Sadoras, the county’s ICAP coordinator, demonstrated how counselors use a folder of client information, drug lists and the Medicare.gov tools to compare dozens of plans and to screen for savings programs.

Why it matters: County staff said decisions by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans change annually, so many Medicare-eligible residents rely on free, local counseling to pick coverage they can afford and that will cover their prescriptions. Counselors also screen low-income residents for Medicare Savings Programs and other benefit programs that can reduce premiums and drug prices.

Wyman and Sadoras described the program’s process and limits. The group class introduces basic choices; individuals then schedule private appointments where staff enter medication lists and income to screen for savings and to find the most cost-effective plan. Sadoras said the number of available Medicare Advantage and Part D plans has grown (she cited about 26 plans currently on a two-sided worksheet for the county) and that pharmacy pricing differences and prior-authorization rules can make plan comparisons time-consuming.

Sadoras gave a specific example from an enrollment appointment: a client’s prescribed medication (Victoza, discussed by name in the presentation) was not covered by many plans and would have resulted in thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket costs for the year until staff worked through prior authorizations or alternative therapies with that client’s provider. ‘‘Sometimes that initial comparison shows a medication will be $10,000 or $12,000 for the year,’’ Sadoras said; she explained counselors then work with providers on prior authorizations or check for lower-cost equivalents and pharmacy price differentials to reduce costs.

Staffing and training constraints: Wyman said ICAP counseling requires substantial training (she noted the state coordinator training requirement) and that the county currently has one full-time staff member primarily assigned to ICAP, plus part-time support. She said the county referenced grant funding for some services (WIC was described elsewhere in the meeting as fully grant-funded) and that ICAP counseling itself is supported by the county’s Office for the Aging in coordination with the New York State Office for the Aging.

Discussion and next steps: Legislators asked questions about where demand was rising and how the county screens for savings programs; Wyman said the office routinely refers callers outside the county to the state when internal capacity is exceeded, which is not ideal because some plans are locally specific. Wyman said staff would return to the Legislature with options for handling the continuing increase in demand, including potential staffing, volunteer training barriers and funding scenarios.

Ending: County staff said the ICAP service remains free to residents and is increasingly relied on to prevent large prescription or premium costs for Medicare beneficiaries; the office will report back with concrete staffing or program recommendations.","Cayuga County Office for the Aging described rising demand for its Medicare counseling (ICAP) services, described how the program works and warned one full-time counselor cannot meet current need without additional resources or changes to staffing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Legislature approves multiple routine contracts, sets public hearings and debates staff stipends and wind‑project escrow

Engineer outlines map-and-plan for proposed sewer district around Eagle/Cuba Lake; county role limited to approvals and potential funding support

County aging office: Medicare counseling demand surges; staff warn program at capacity