Seneca County Supervisors Advance Key Measures Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

During a comprehensive series of committee meetings held at the Seneca County Office Building, supervisors progressed a variety of public safety, personnel, infrastructure, and economic initiatives. These actions align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Public Safety

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee unanimously approved the renewal of a contract to maintain an armed deputy presence at South Seneca schools’ extended-day program. This initiative supports SDG 4 by ensuring a safe educational environment. The school district will reimburse the Sheriff’s Office $60 per hour for coverage from October 6, 2025, through May 20, 2026.

Human Resources and Government Operations

The supervisors addressed a comprehensive personnel agenda with implications for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):

• Vacancies: Nine budgeted positions, including highway equipment operators, mental health therapists, and correction officers, were approved for refilling to maintain essential county services.
• Correction Officers’ Pay: Step raises were granted to newly hired correction officers with state experience exceeding contractual minimums, promoting fair labor practices.
• Sheriff’s Staffing: Two part-time special-patrol officers were created at $25.08 per hour to enhance court and meeting security. Additionally, a vacant senior mental-health therapist position was reclassified to a substance-abuse counselor to optimize resources, and a part-time assistant public defender role was added utilizing Hurrell-Harring grant funds.

Health and Human Services

Health Director Vickie Swinehart announced the county’s decision to exercise the final one-year extension of its preschool transportation contract with Transpo Bus, maintaining 2021 rates despite inflation. This supports SDG 3 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring accessible transportation for young children.

The committee also undertook the following actions:

• Reappointed members to the four-county Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, reinforcing regional economic development and workforce readiness (SDG 8).
• Updated and advanced the 2025-26 Supervision and Treatment Services for Juveniles Plan, with submission deadlines adjusted to enhance program implementation (SDG 3 and SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• Accepted $215,009 in funding from three school districts and Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES to continue in-school substance-abuse prevention and clinic services, promoting health and well-being among youth (SDG 3).

Economic Development, Tourism, and Housing

At the county-owned Finger Lakes Regional Airport, a 6,000-gallon split fuel tank was declared surplus and slated for auction, reflecting responsible resource management (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production).

The committee revised tourism grant allocations funded by occupancy-tax revenue, supporting sustainable community events (SDG 11):

• Seneca Lake Resorts: Funding for the July 4 fireworks at Sampson State Park was reduced from $10,000 to the $2,500 cap for community celebrations, ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
• It’s a Wonderful Run 5K: Organizers received $2,000 to upgrade downtown Seneca Falls holiday lights, enhancing community engagement and sustainable tourism.

Ways and Means

Supervisors approved mid-year budget adjustments to support infrastructure and social services, advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through emergency domestic violence support:

• $940,716.71 in additional state Consolidated Highway Improvement Program revenue and matching construction costs.
• A $40,000 transfer in the County Manager’s budget to fund a contract with Pracademic Partners.
• A $20,000 internal shift within Human Services to address rising emergency domestic violence expenses.

Water and Sewer

The Water and Sewer Committee advanced amendments to engineering contracts with Wendel to align with Environmental Facilities Corporation grant terms for upgrades at the Willard and Five Points sewage treatment plants. This supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving water infrastructure and environmental quality.

Chair Jeff Trout announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation awarded Fayette a $5.6 million Water Quality Improvement grant for the Cayuga Lake Sewer District, crediting consultant Lori Fox for the successful application.

Agriculture and Environmental Affairs

Lawmakers introduced Local Law C of 2025 to extend a pilot program allowing licensed adults to mentor 12- and 13-year-old deer hunters through December 31, 2028. This initiative promotes responsible wildlife management and community engagement, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land). A public hearing is scheduled for August 12 at 6 p.m.

Conclusion

All resolutions passed through the committee meetings will be presented to the full Board of Supervisors for action on July 9. These measures collectively advance Seneca County’s commitment to sustainable development, community well-being, and responsible governance in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Health and Human Services initiatives including substance-abuse prevention, mental health staffing, and juvenile supervision and treatment.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Public safety measures in schools, such as placing an armed deputy at South Seneca schools’ extended-day program.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Personnel management including filling vacancies, pay raises, and workforce investment board appointments.
   • Economic development initiatives including tourism grants and airport infrastructure management.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Infrastructure improvements such as highway construction funding and water/sewer plant upgrades.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Community safety, tourism development, and public infrastructure enhancements.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Agriculture and environmental affairs including the deer hunting mentorship program and environmental grants.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are safe, inclusive, and effective.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
   • Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.2: Promote sustainable management of forests and halt deforestation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Number of substance-abuse prevention programs funded and operational (implied by funding acceptance of $215,009 for in-school substance-abuse prevention and clinic services).
   • Staffing levels of mental health and substance abuse counselors (implied by reclassification and hiring decisions).
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Presence of safety personnel in schools (indicator: contract renewal for armed deputy at school extended-day program).
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Number of vacancies filled and pay raises granted to correction officers (implied personnel data).
   • Tourism grant amounts and community event funding (e.g., fireworks and holiday lights grants).
4. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Amount of funding allocated to highway improvements ($940,716.71 from state Consolidated Highway Improvement Program).
   • Engineering contracts and grant awards for water and sewer plant upgrades.
5. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Community event funding and infrastructure improvements supporting safe and accessible public spaces.
6. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Implementation of local laws supporting sustainable hunting practices.
   • Grant awards for water quality improvement ($5.6 million Water Quality Improvement grant).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fingerlakes1.com