Staff Report / September 13, 2026
PENN YAN — The Yates County Legislature will consider a series of major public safety, criminal justice, and administrative proposals during its upcoming meeting on Monday, September 14, at 1 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers.
Headlining the agenda is Resolution 351-26, which would schedule an October 13 public hearing on a proposed local law to establish an online Animal Abuser Registry maintained by the Sheriff’s Office. Under the measure, adult residents convicted of covered animal cruelty offenses—including animal fighting, aggravated cruelty, abandonment, and poisoning—would be required to register their personal details, photo, and township. First-time offenders would remain listed for seven years post-conviction or release, while a second conviction would mandate lifetime registration.
Registrants would pay a one-time $125 administrative fee and face strict prohibitions against owning, living with, or having physical contact with companion animals. Animal shelters and pet dealers would be required to screen buyers against the database before transferring ownership, with potential fines reaching $5,000 for non-compliance. Registered offenders possessing pets or failing to register could face up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. Service animals and farm livestock are exempt from the restrictions.
Additional key resolutions before lawmakers include:
- Law Enforcement Technology: Authorizing a multi-year, $30,000 contract through 2028 for a criminal justice-compliant artificial intelligence platform designed to assist deputies with policies, legal research, de-escalation, and paperwork.
- School Resource Officer: Approving an agreement with the Dundee Central School District for a full-time School Resource Officer during the 2026–27 academic year, with the district reimbursing the county $78,479.35 for salary and benefits.
- Criminal Justice Reorganization: Replacing 2019 bylaws to restructure the 16-member Yates County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, focusing its scope on jail operations, pretrial programs, court access, and mental health services.
- Youth Bureau Grants: Allocating county and state youth funding to regional libraries, summer recreation programs, and community organizations, including $7,000 for Our Town Rocks and $5,000 for Yates Community Center youth recreation.
- Infrastructure & Public Works: Extending leachate disposal rates for the Torrey Landfill, approving $10,500 in additional bridge inspection fees over Kashong Creek, and amending a Pre-Emption Road drainage contract to $1.29 million.
- Farmland Protection: Issuing formal support for a Finger Lakes Land Trust conservation easement protecting the Henderson farm across Milo and Torrey from non-agricultural development.
