Yates County lawmakers are appealing a state budget decision that drastically reduced reimbursements for a radio tower partnership with Cayuga County.
Yates County lawmakers are expressing strong opposition to a recent ruling by the state Division of the Budget regarding reimbursements related to their collaboration with Cayuga County on a radio tower project. This partnership, intended to improve communication services on the west side of Seneca Lake, has sparked a significant financial dispute.
In a move to address the issue, the Yates County Legislature voted last week to appeal the state’s decision, which has led to the loss of over $250,000 in matching state funds. The radio tower, located in Ovid and owned by Cayuga County, was chosen by Yates officials as a cost-effective solution, enabling them to avoid the construction of a new facility. This decision was expected to save Yates County approximately $298,000 in its first year.
Initially, Yates County sought reimbursement through a state program designed to encourage municipal cooperation on shared services, with the goal of easing property tax burdens. While the Division of Local Government Services initially approved the claimed savings, the Division of the Budget later adjusted the amount to just $15,692. This revision significantly reduced the expected savings by spreading land purchase costs over 30 years and construction costs over a decade. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of state funding for local government initiatives.
