Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livingston County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with medium priority
New EMS Ambulance Purchase
A $200,000 state grant for a new county ambulance was added to capital accounts, boosting EMS equipment.
Agricultural District Modifications (303-B Additions)
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on adding parcels to Agricultural Districts #2 and #3. These designations protect farmland and support the county's agricultural economy.
PILOT Agreements with Avon Bess A and Avon Bess B LLC
Two PILOT agreements scheduled for authorization would provide payment-in-lieu-of-taxes arrangements with Avon Bess A LLC and Avon Bess B LLC, affecting how much tax revenue the properties generate.
Replacement Ambulance Purchase
The county's Emergency Medical Services department sought approval of a $185,000 bid for a new Demers ambulance — part of keeping the county's emergency response fleet current.
Health Department WIC Staffing and Preparedness Grant
The Health Department sought two new WIC positions required by the state, plus authorization of a $1.05 million federal emergency preparedness grant contract.
Sale of Tax-Foreclosed Parcels
The county fixed September 15 as the last day to redeem foreclosed property and the first Thursday of November at 6 p.m. as the annual auction date — important for anyone at risk of losing property over back taxes.
New Disabled Veterans Exemption
Discussion of the newly created disabled veterans property tax exemption and how it will be applied — this could lower property tax bills for eligible veteran households.
Revolutionary Pours tourism campaign and Visit LivCo app
The county's brewery-trail app campaign is driving big gains in downloads and July 3rd visitation, sending visitor spending to local breweries, restaurants and shops. A Family Fest on August 22 will extend the strategy to families with a digital scavenger hunt.
Assistant County Attorney position for Social Services merger
A new full-time Assistant County Attorney job at $90,000-$120,000 was created because of the merger of the Department of Social Services attorney function. It affects legal staffing for county social services cases.
Unemployment insurance system transition
The state's unemployment insurance platform will go down next week as it migrates to a new system, and nearby workforce offices will close — but Livingston County's office will stay open to keep helping residents.
Winter snow and ice costs exceeded estimates by $636K
The brutal 2025-26 winter pushed the county's state-road snow removal costs to $1.33 million — about $636,000 over the estimate. The board signed a supplemental agreement with the state to reconcile the bill.
Lead poisoning prevention awareness
The county proclaimed Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and accepted a $202,100/year state grant for its childhood lead prevention program — significant because 64% of county homes predate 1978 and may contain lead paint.
Health Department Salary Range Increase
The county raised the Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services pay range to $82,000-$103,000 to compete for qualified candidates. This affects mental health services staffing.
Mileage reimbursement increase
County mileage reimbursement rose to 76 cents a mile effective July 1, 2026, which raises travel costs but keeps pace with IRS-style rates for employees driving on county business.
Nursing home EMR system replacement
The county nursing home is getting a new electronic medical records system from PointClickCare for roughly $682,000 over three years, paid from the nursing home's own budget.
Public defense modernization
A one-time $258,000 state grant will buy equipment and system upgrades to modernize the Public Defender and Conflict Defender offices.
Medicaid overpayment dispute at CNR
The nursing home is disputing $953,550 of a $955,461 Medicaid overpayment claim from a state audit; state LTC audits are paused while the state revises its criteria.
Climate Smart Communities participation rejected
The committee voted down both the state climate certification application and the required pledge, after members worried the program's listed requirements could tie the county down. The county believes it already qualifies for bronze certification, but will not apply for now.
Statewide data center moratorium executive order
The Governor signed an executive order putting up to a one-year moratorium on data center construction across New York, pre-empting a pending budget bill. The biggest local impact would have been a large project planned in neighboring Genesee County.
Deputy Sheriff's Association contract ratification
The Board ratified the new deputy sheriff contract covering 2026 through 2029; the union approved it in June. This locks in pay and working conditions for the sheriff's patrol ranks.
Vasquez v. Livingston County lawsuit
The county is hiring outside counsel at up to $450/hour to defend a federal lawsuit over tax foreclosure and surplus funds — a case that could have implications for how the county handles foreclosures.
Conesus Lake watershed protection
The county will apply for state grant money to help watershed towns update erosion and land-use rules to fight weed and algae problems in Conesus Lake.
Downtown Partnership 20-year retrospective and coordinator retirement
Louise Wadsworth is retiring after 20 years as Downtown Coordinator. Her farewell review tallied 21 NY Main Street grants, 574 small grants, nine murals and $20.4 million in public-private investment in the county's nine downtown districts.
CDBG grant applications for two Geneseo coffee shops
The county is asking the state for up to $200,000 total (two $100,000 grants) to help open Linden Coffee and expand Cosmic Charlie in Geneseo. The grants come with new full-time jobs promised within two years.
Water tower repair
The county's water tower will get OSHA-required repairs and preventative maintenance under a new contract of up to $310,000.