Staff Report / July 29, 2026
PENN YAN — Yates County officials are continuing to evaluate their options for a major infrastructure project, revealing updated schematic plans that reduce both the total square footage and bed capacity of a proposed new public safety facility.
During a special Legislature meeting on July 22, representatives presented a revised proposal that scales down the planned jail capacity from 72 to 64 beds. The overall size of the building was also trimmed by about 4%, dropping from 73,426 to 70,586 gross square feet as project managers work to refine floor plans and control potential costs.
The county is weighing whether to move forward with constructing the new facility or undertake a comprehensive renovation of its existing aging building.
Key details regarding the updated proposal, logistical challenges, and community feedback include:
- Facility Layout & Features: The scaled-down 64-bed model features two 24-cell housing pods and one 16-cell pod. Beyond housing, the facility is designed to unite the Sheriff’s Office, emergency 911 dispatch, probation, intake and release, medical services, programming areas, and secure visitation space under one roof.
- Capacity & Regulatory Needs: Sheriff Frank Ryan and county officials noted that bed counts are driven by state classification mandates. Law requires the county to maintain separate housing based on gender, security levels, medical needs, and interpersonal conflicts—making total bed count distinct from daily average population numbers.
- Renovation Drawbacks: Officials highlighted significant hurdles regarding a potential overhaul of the current masonry facility, noting it would require extensive structural, mechanical, electrical, and security overhauls. Furthermore, the county would face substantial costs to house incarcerated individuals in outside facilities during construction.
- Public Input & Financial Concerns: Residents voiced questions during public comment periods regarding the total price tag, project necessity, declining overall jail populations, and the need for greater transparency before committing further funds.
- Next Steps: Project Manager Lance Lowell reported that while 3D models and preliminary floor plans are complete, updated schedules and cost estimates are still being finalized. Legislative Chair Leslie Church emphasized that no final decision has been made, with lawmakers debating when to schedule additional public information sessions as schematic designs wrap up.
The meeting concluded in executive session to review specific matters that officials stated could compromise public safety if publicly disclosed.
