Legislators approve tourism funding amounts

PENN YAN--The Yates County Legislature met Tuesday, Oct. 10 in the county office building and approved resolutions to benefit tourism in the county.
The Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) has reviewed submissions from 16 organizations requesting a total of $482,097 and has recommended funding to the following organizations:
Yates Co. TPA: $176,629 (Chamber of Commerce)
Finger Lakes Wine Country: $67,500
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance: $21,860
Mom's 5k Run: $5,000
Arts Center of Yates County: $5,000
The Windmill: $3,000
Keuka Outlet Trail: $10,000
Dundee Scottish Festival: $1,000
Finger Lakes Farm Country: $5,000
Fox Run Vineyards: $2,400
Total approved for these recommendations was $297,389.
The legislature also adopted a resolution that will create funding for a natural and recreational resources plan. The county wants to establish a policy for funding natural and recreational resources and desires to partner with other levels of government and private organizations to protect and preserve natural and recreational resources. The county also wants to preserve and develop recreational trail corridors that cross municipal borders and develop outdoor recreation facilities that are intended to serve all Yates County residents.
The comprehensive plan states the goal to "ensure preservation of unique lands and areas. Take actions to prevent development of lands identified as having a flood hazard or displaying excessive slope and protect environmentally sensitive lands and unique areas."
Twenty percent of the net amount realized by Yates County from Occupancy tax collections during the previous year will be designated as the total funding level. Funding for any single applicant in a given year shall not exceed 50 percent of the total amount available for that year.
The legislature then recognized domestic violence awareness month. Domestic violence remains one of society's challenges as a crime often not reported that has significant impact on victims, their children and families-- including physical, emotional, financial, social and spiritual implications, so recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month promotes a time for the community to build awareness toward safe and healthy relationships for all individuals.
Amy Daines was reappointed as commissioner of elections for Yates County. Her term commences Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2019 or such term length as determined by the county or state legislature.