Schuyler County to set Nov. 9 budget hearing, introduce C-PACE energy loan program

The Schuyler County Legislature is expected to set a Nov. 9 public hearing on the tentative 2027 county budget and introduce a local law establishing a property-assessed clean energy financing program when it meets Tuesday (October 13).

The agenda, shaped by the Management & Finance Committee and Legislative Resolution Review Committee meetings on Wednesday (Oct. 7), prioritizes the sustainable energy measure known as Energize NY Open C-PACE alongside the budget process and authorizing on-call pay for assistant district attorneys.

Lawmakers plan to schedule the budget hearing for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in Room 120 of the Human Services Complex, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls. The hearing would be followed by the regular legislative meeting, where the board could adopt the 2027 budget.

The legislature is set to introduce Local Law No. D (Intro.) of 2026 to create the Energize NY Open C-PACE Financing Program. The measure would allow commercial and multifamily property owners in Schuyler County to finance energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems through long-term loans repaid via special charges assessed on the benefited properties. The Energy Improvement Corporation would administer the program on the county’s behalf under Article 5-L of the New York General Municipal Law. A public hearing on the local law is also planned, positioning the county to join other New York localities offering this financing tool aimed at reducing energy costs and supporting clean energy projects without requiring up-front capital from property owners.

Another resolution would authorize on-call pay for assistant district attorneys providing weekend and holiday coverage at $400 per day, or $800 per weekend, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027.

Additional items call for introducing local laws setting 2027 salaries for elected officials, including the sheriff at $119,242 and county clerk at $93,517, and for public officers such as the public health director, personnel officer, public defender and others, with public hearings also set for Nov. 9.

Other business includes authorizing a two-year Victim of Crime Act grant totaling about $551,771; approving the 2027 STOP-DWI plan; authorizing a $731,500 purchase offer for property at 118 Schuyler St., Montour Falls; setting a hearing on the Lamoka/Waneta Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation District assessment roll; declaring surplus vehicles; and handling various contracts, budget amendments and appointments.

The regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Legislative Chambers at the Schuyler County Courthouse Complex. The meeting is set for Tuesday, instead of the normal Monday schedule, due to the Columbus Day holiday.