At its meeting, Seneca County’s Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee approved several measures intended to upgrade communications and support correctional- and court-related services.

Votes at a glance

- SFY2025 State Homeland Security Program (NG911) grant: Committee accepted the award, described in the meeting as $1,260,000, for networking equipment and upgrades to support next-generation 911 capabilities including Vesta and Spillman upgrades. The sheriff’s office said the funding requires no county match. Outcome: approved.

- Authorization to apply for New York State 2024 Law Enforcement Technology grant: The sheriff requested permission to apply; the amount is unknown at application time (previous award was $71,250). Outcome: approved to apply.

- Renewal contract with United Medical Resources (UMR) for correctional facility inmate medical services: Committee approved the renewal; UMR bills at Medicaid rates for incarcerated individuals, which the sheriff said creates cost savings. Outcome: approved.

- General municipal agreement with the Town of Tyre for court security services: Committee approved continued court security support by the county sheriff’s department at a $35-per-hour rate. Outcome: approved.

- Resolutions urging state action: Committee passed a resolution urging Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to enact technology updates related to the 911 system and to increase funding for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in county correctional facilities. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters: The NG911 funding is intended to bring county call-taking and record systems into digital standards, enabling receipt of text messages, photos and video and ensuring compatibility with next-generation 911 infrastructure. The committee emphasized the grant’s potential to modernize aging Vesta phone systems and Spillman CAD software.

Next steps: staff will proceed with upgrades funded by the NG911 award, submit the law-enforcement technology grant application, and execute the approved contracts and agreements. The committee tabled one item for further study until the next meeting (details discussed in committee).