Staff Report / August 11, 2026
PENN YAN – Yates County lawmakers met over two days during the first week of August 2026 to address a series of looming financial and administrative challenges. Discussions focused on potentially costly federal policy changes, rising local housing demand, countywide broadband expansion, and preliminary projections for the 2027 budget framework.
At the Human Services Committee meeting, Social Services Director Amy Miller highlighted concerns over federal legislation (H.R. 1), which could shift SNAP administrative costs onto counties. Miller noted that Yates County’s share could amount to roughly $55,000 per month if forced to cover a 15% local portion. Lawmakers advanced a resolution urging a two-year delay on the federal cost shift and requesting state financial protections. Officials also raised alarms over federal Medicaid changes—including reducing retroactive coverage from 90 days to 30 days and altering the application process—which could create administrative barriers for residents and financial risks for local healthcare providers.
In addition to health and human services concerns, county leadership reviewed major infrastructure projects, budget forecasts, and public safety planning:
- Housing & Public Health: The county’s $100,000 Rental Supplement Program allocation was fully committed in under two months, aiding 16 households, while 14 single adults were receiving homeless housing assistance as of late July. Separately, Public Health reported a positive detection of measles in local wastewater, though no human cases were confirmed.
- Broadband Buildout: Phase 2 of the county’s ReConnect broadband project (covering Italy and northeastern Penn Yan) is fully operational. Phase 3, extending service to southeastern Penn Yan and Dundee, is scheduled to begin construction on August 25 as part of the overall $17.16 million initiative.
- 2027 Budget Outlook: County Administrator Jessica Mullins warned that early projections indicate health insurance costs could jump 10% to 15% alongside rising retirement expenses, prompting line-by-line spending reviews to keep the upcoming budget as flat as possible.
- Public Works & Facilities: Progress continues on the Public Health facility renovations, Public Defender office prep work, and design plans for a proposed new public safety facility. Meanwhile, state auditors are continuing an extended, weeks-long audit of county finances.
