Legislature approves project manager hiring and authorizes remediation funds after contamination found at county office building

The Cayuga County Legislature voted on May 20 to move forward with outside project management services and to authorize environmental work after contractors reported contamination in the basement of the county office building at 160 Genesee Street.

Campus Construction Management Group presented its qualifications and proposed role as project manager for renovations of the county building. Mark Esposito, the firm's president, told legislators the company would act as the county’s owner representative, advising on scope, conceptual budgets, contract packaging and construction timelines.

At the same meeting legislators approved a resolution authorizing up to $150,000 for environmental and related professional services to support closure and remediation work tied to the building. County officials said the money will be used for necessary decontamination and to create a controlled environment to retrieve critical equipment, including 9‑1‑1 and IT assets.

Why it matters

County staff described the 9‑1‑1 and IT equipment as critical infrastructure with replacement costs in the millions. Officials said retesting of basement areas showed contamination in some spaces; the work authorized is intended to protect equipment while the county determines next steps.

What the legislature approved

- Project manager contract: The legislature approved engaging Campus Construction Management Group to provide project management services for the county office building planning and construction oversight. The firm outlined experience with municipal and K–12 projects and said it would assist with feasibility, budgeting and contractor coordination.

- Remediation/professional services authorization: The legislature…