# 10.13.26 Full Legislature Meeting

At the October 13, 2026 Monroe County Legislature meeting, members approved a major Seneca Park Zoo capital-project bond resolution: $116.9 million to finance the Tropical Exhibit and Main Entry Plaza Phase 2, superseding a 2022 bond resolution. The vote was 22–4. Discussion referenced an estimated overall project cost of about $135 million, a reported 14% construction-cost increase, and anticipated funding that included $70.9 million in county bonding, $23 million from the Zoo Society, and state funding. Legislators also approved 2026 operating-budget appropriation transfers and ARPA-related appropriation transfers and subaward grant amendments. The legislature considered a proposed animal-abuse registration law that would restrict people convicted of animal abuse from obtaining animals through county shelters or pet dealers; pet-business owners raised concerns about enforcement and effects on sales, but the transcript does not clearly establish the final vote outcome.

Members approved a referral to begin legislative review of the death of Brian Harmon in the county jail and the state commission’s findings concerning his medical care. Discussion focused on oversight of jail medical contractor Prime Care Medical and a proposed change to the contract’s renewal timeline; legislators debated the amendment, but its final disposition is unclear in the transcript. Public commenters urged increased housing assistance and funding, two-year eligibility for child-care assistance, and more staffing for applications. Zoo supporters also advocated for the capital project. No vendor selection or new competitive solicitation was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Healthcare
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Sources
- [10.13.26 Full Legislature Meeting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qojYnb2IlZA) - Monroe County Legislature