Genesee County

The Ways and Means Committee meeting included an amendment to the agenda to add a resolution regarding the 2026-2027 Rules for the Genesee County Legislature. Key discussions involved a presentation of the annual report by the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, and approval for budget transfers for Utilities and Shredding expenses for the 2025 budget year. The committee also addressed a discrepancy in AG Chargeback amounts for the towns of Elba and Oakfield, leading to a recommended amendment of Resolution No. 563-25. Furthermore, the committee recommended approval for awarding a contract for public relations and advocacy services regarding large-scale solar development to the Martin Group. Several out-of-state travel requests for conferences, including the NACo Conference and the NACCHO Preparedness Summit, were approved. Referrals from the Human Services Committee included several 2026 Budget Amendments and a 2025 Budget Transfer related to Mental Health and Public Health funds. Finally, changes to the legislative rules for 2026/2027 were discussed and approved for placement on the next Legislature Agenda.

The agenda for the session included proclamations and commendations, reports from committees and special assignments, and communications/petitions. Key items under communications involved multiple travel out-of-state requests for conferences, including the NACo Conference and the NACCHO Preparedness Summit. The consent agenda featured numerous resolutions covering budget item transfers, amendments to 2026 Tax Warrants, contract awards for Public Relations and Advocacy Services related to solar development, and various budget amendments for Community Mental Health Services and Public Health. Other resolutions addressed the 2026-2027 Rules for the Legislature and a contract amendment for Mental Health services. A non-consent item scheduled for discussion was the County Audit for February 11, 2026.

The committee addressed several agenda items primarily concerning the Department of Public Works. Recommendations included executing a State and Municipal (SAM) Grant with DASNY for $80,000 to construct swing sets at Dewitt Recreation Area, which was referred to Ways & Means Committee. Bids were recommended for award for multiple work packages for the Animal Shelter Renovation Project, including General Construction, HVAC, and Electrical, as well as a separate recommendation for the Plumbing contract package, all referred to Ways & Means Committee. Additionally, the committee recommended entering into a consultant agreement with Ravi Engineering & Land Surveying P.C. for construction inspection services for Existing Pump Station Upgrades. Authorization was sought for various Change Orders related to unforeseen conditions for contractors like LeChase Construction Services LLC and Michael A. Ferrauilo Plumbing & Heating Inc. An update was provided regarding ongoing HVAC issues at the Engine House. The Sheriff recommended extending the School Resource Officer MOU for Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and requested budget transfers to purchase safes and cabinets for SRO program schools. Acceptance of a NYS STOP-DWI HVEC award was also recommended. The Director of Emergency Communications recommended executing an agreement with GovWorx for CommsCoach software. The Office of Emergency Management recommended declaring two vehicles as surplus property for auction. The Public Defender recommended executing a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for discovery storage. Finally, the Committee Chair recommended reappointments and one new appointment to the Genesee County Water Resources Agency.

Key discussions included the amendment of the agenda to add permission to apply for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grant under the Office for the Aging. The Department of Social Services recommended the 2024-2029 CFSP 2025 Annual Update for placement on the next Legislature Agenda, and proposed several reappointments and appointments to the Genesee County Youth Advisory Board, all referred to the Ways and Means Agenda. The Public Health Director recommended accepting funding for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program continuation, executing agreements for wastewater infrastructure review services and advertising for lead testing, amending the 2025 Public Health Budget, executing an agreement with the Wyoming County Health Department for case-based services, advertising for HUD Healthy Homes contractors, and implementing worker retention payments for Public Health Department employees. The Office for the Aging recommended renewing a contract for Dietitian Services and presented an update on the water main break situation, noting program relocations and efforts to secure funding for accessibility modifications.

The meeting agenda included a review presentation on Genesee County Branding. The County Treasurer was scheduled to address 2025 budget transfers/amendments and a contract renewal with Tyler New World Maintenance and Support. The County Attorney was slated to discuss the Communication Tower. The Department of Public Works Commissioner was scheduled to cover a contract award for Sheriff HVAC. The County Manager's items involved authorizing the closure of a capital project, addressing surplus equipment from the Old Courthouse, and approving travel for a Public Health staff member to attend a conference in Los Angeles. The Human Services Committee referral contained numerous agreements concerning Public Health with The Lamar Companies, The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, CAN-USA Sports LLC, and Medical Inflatables, as well as grant acceptance, budget amendments, a salary schedule amendment, a donation acceptance for Social Services, an appointment to the Genesee County Youth Board, and NYS Wi-Fi installation for Social Services.