Yates County Legislature approves $40.4M capital improvement plan; Button votes no

The Yates County Legislature voted to approve the Fiscal Years 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan on Aug. 10, adopting a package that lists $40,368,764 in total project costs and a net tax‑levy requirement of $14,053,428. The plan identifies major projects including airport runway and T‑hangar work, highway road rehabilitation, sheriff equipment upgrades, and line items for a public‑safety facility.

The roll‑call vote recorded Lawson, Harper, Willson, Killen, Purdy, Bronson, Paddock, MacKerchar, Flynn, Banach, Holgate, Jayne, and Chair Leslie Church voting “Yes” and Legislator Terry Button voting “No.” Button said he was concerned about the proposal’s tax‑levy increase, noting the plan showed “this increase at the tax levy part $2,813,679” and urging continued review for offsets to reduce the levy impact.

County finance materials included a funding table showing $26,315,336 in expected federal, state, sale and reserve revenues toward the five‑year total and departmental breakdowns of net tax‑levy contributions. The Legislature directed copies of the approved plan be provided to the Legislative Chair, Director of Finance, and County Administrator; department‑level project lists and schedules will follow in staff reports.