Legislative Board Meeting - November 2026

Lewis County Legislative Board meeting, November 4, 2026. The county manager presented the tentative budget, unchanged since the workshop; it keeps the tax rate at last year’s level after budget cuts. The board heard that Lewis County expects more than $20 million in grants during 2026, including approximately $2.3–$2.4 million for hospital-area flood retention basins, $2.1 million for culvert replacement, and $5 million in Transportation Improvement Program funding to supplement CHIPS for village improvements. A potential $1 million grant for ADA-compliant hospital bathrooms was also mentioned. The board discussed long-term capital needs—including solid waste, highway facilities, the jail, emergency services, training, and hospital projects—and approximately $81 million in available borrowing capacity. The Finance and Rules Committee recommended auditing claims totaling about $5.44 million; the board approved the claims. A motion authorizing three public health staff members to attend a preparedness conference in Atlanta also passed. No vendor selections or contract awards were identified.

The board adopted local law number 7-2026 and approved resolutions including the Lewis County Land Bank Corporation bylaws and authorization to apply to New York State for transfer of a property intended for hospice-related use. Committee reports also covered proposed changes to junkyard regulations and the county’s ongoing codification of local laws. The board’s discussions of grants and capital projects point to substantial upcoming infrastructure work, though no specific procurement solicitations or awards were announced.