Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livingston County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with high priority
Interoperable Communications Agreement with Allegany County
A $1.03 million state grant will replace radio system routers, protect the backup 911 center with a whole-building UPS, and add translation and multimedia tools to 911 dispatch. Rural dead zones get a deployable communications unit for multi-agency responses.
2026 Budget Process Underway
Sales tax receipts came in at $3.2 million this week — up 5% year-to-date. The state session ended with possible piggybacking authority and a data center moratorium awaiting the Governor, and deputy county administrator interviews begin next week.
Broadband buildout costs climbing
The state gave the county a six-month extension on its ARPA-funded broadband infrastructure project, relieving pressure to finish by year-end.
Mental health staffing shortage
Director Sarah McCumiskey resigns October 16, and Jennifer Rodriguez steps in as interim director with a $275 weekly stipend until a permanent hire is made.
Dansville Affordable Housing Grant Award
The county won a state infrastructure grant with partner DePaul to build 60 affordable and supportive housing units in the Village of Dansville — one of only seven awards in the Finger Lakes region.
Leicester regional water supply expansion
The county will pay the Water and Sewer Authority directly — up to $5.46 million from Akzo Nobel settlement funds — for water infrastructure in the Town of Leicester tied to the Retsof salt mine collapse.
Ethics and Disclosure Law overhaul (Local Law D-2026)
The Board adopted the first comprehensive update to the county ethics code since 2018, adding a full-time Compliance Officer, annual financial disclosure statements, a $75 gift cap, and post-employment restrictions for county officials and employees.
Measles in the community
Health officials discussed measles cases present in local communities.
Childhood cancer in Livingston County
The county proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — 44 local kids have been diagnosed since October and four have died.
Suicide prevention efforts
September is Suicide Prevention Month in the county, with a community vigil on September 10 at AL Lorenz Park.
SNAP administrative cost shift to counties
Starting October 1, the federal government is shifting 25 percent of SNAP administrative costs onto counties, raising the county share from 50 to 75 percent. Officials are pushing for a two-year delay, but budget impacts are coming.
State budget delay and Tier 6 pension reform
New York still hasn't adopted its state budget, and a deal on Tier 6 pension reform means the state won't fully absorb the costs — counties like Livingston are waiting to see the local impact. Key standalone bills, including extension of piggybacking authority, must pass before June 4.
Child Advocacy Center coming to Livingston County
Right now, kids who've experienced abuse have to travel out of county for forensic interviews and medical exams. The new center at 138 Fourth Street will bring those services — plus free trauma-informed therapy and a caring closet — close to home, with services starting in the coming weeks.