Legislative Board Meeting - October 2026

At the October 7, 2026 Lewis County Board of Legislators meeting, the board approved Resolution 219 appropriating $1.5 million for renovations to the Shady Avenue building for the Health Department; the vote passed with one legislator opposed. Officials said the work is needed to meet Department of Health codes, the county’s lease is in perpetuity, and the investment is expected to be offset by about $110,000 in annual rent savings and an anticipated $1.3 million BOCES payment related to the JCC property. The Finance and Rules Committee also reviewed a tentative 2027 capital improvement plan of approximately $1.25 million, primarily for equipment and project replacements; it was presented for planning, not approved as a spending resolution. The board approved claims totaling $2,724,111.30 for audit and payment, and approved an extension agreement with Topview Apartments Lewis LLC for a facade and streetscape improvement project. No competitive bid or new vendor contract award was identified.

Other funding and project updates included a Rural Health Transformation Program award for three hospital-related projects involving recruitment, telemedicine, and community services, and an update on the proposed 63-unit Glenfield School redevelopment, whose construction schedule depends on additional state funding. The county reported that approximately $591,800 in costs for competency-restoration cases is budgeted and will be covered by a public health infrastructure grant. The board also discussed a public commenter's questions about eligibility and local opt-in requirements for a veterans’ property tax exemption; officials said they would share information about the recent state law changes and consult with municipalities.