Chairman Brick outlines capital projects, broadband and budget in 2026 State of the County

Chairman Brick delivered the 2026 State of the County address at the Wyoming County Board's organizational meeting on Jan. 2. He thanked retiring officials and introduced new county leaders, including Jeff Perry as CEO of Wyoming County Community Health System and new department directors. He identified major capital projects the county will pursue in 2026: renovating 450 North Main St. to house Mental Health services and the County Attorney, advancing a jail expansion to meet State regulations, and continuing a countywide broadband initiative.

Brick also reported that the hospital received funding to upgrade operating rooms, noted ongoing building and grounds work across 15 county buildings including an upgraded Government Center elevator and animal control improvements, and described completed projects such as the new Fire Training Center and wall work along Oatka Creek at the Ag and Business Center. He emphasized grants and county staff efforts that made the 2025 grant awards possible and said keeping taxes low depends in part on securing such grants.

On roads and emergency services, Brick said the Highway Department maintains 240 miles of county roads, using surface treatments and bridge/culvert replacements supported by the Better Pavement program, and that Emergency Services secured a grant to improve the county ambulance and support Fire Training Center renovations. He also noted the county's role in green energy projects (turbine upgrades and a proposed battery facility in Orangeville) and continuing local debate over solar placement on prime farmland.