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Yates County Legislature moves $6.06 million into building reserve amid debate
Summary
The Legislature approved Resolution 241-26 to transfer $6,060,165 from unassigned fund balance into a Building Reserve for future capital projects after a roll-call vote (11–2); some lawmakers criticized the timing and urged broader public discussion.
On May 11 the Yates County Legislature voted to transfer $6,060,165 from its unassigned general fund balance into a Building Reserve (A878.B) for future capital projects, a step proponents said protects future budgets while opponents urged caution.
Resolution No. 241-26 was offered by Legislator Bill Holgate and seconded by Legislator Dan Banach. The roll-call vote recorded Killen, Purdy, Paddock, MacKerchar, Flynn, Banach, Holgate, Lawson, Harper, Willson and Bronson in favor, and Jayne and Button opposed. Supporters said assigning funds now provides flexibility for capital needs; detractors argued the county should not move large sums without fuller public discussion given pending large capital proposals.
Legislator Terry Button said he opposed the transfer and expressed concern about the county moving large sums while debating costly projects such as the proposed public safety facility. He noted possible impacts on taxpayers and cash flow, saying in part that the repayment burden on taxpayers could be significant if large borrowings follow. Legislator Bill Holgate, who moved the resolution, said setting aside funds is a prudent fiscal practice to stabilize future tax rates.
The resolution directs the Director of Finance to transfer the funds to the assigned fund balance and to notify appropriate county officials. The motion carried; the minutes record the roll-call and the outcome as "Motion carried."
