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COVID-19 County Departments

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1. 911 Center

E-911 Center

Cayuga County E-911 is continuing efforts to support the public 24/7 during this crisis. For the health and safety of our responders we have amended our call-taking procedures to include COVID-19 related questions. These questions include but may not be limited to, ‘Have you traveled outside of the country in the last 14 days’ ‘Have you knowingly been exposed to someone who has been exposed to COVID-19’ ‘Are you or is anyone in your home having flu-like symptoms.’ In the case of law enforcement related issues, based on the answers to these questions, you may receive a phone call prior to the arrival of a uniformed officer. 

The 911 Center is locked down to 911 staff only. Staff was split into teams of two and are operating from both our Primary and Backup E-911 Centers as a measure to reduce cross-contamination. Regardless of the situation, Cayuga County staff continues to fulfill the duties of the mission of the Cayuga County E-911 Center.

2. Board of Elections

Board of Elections

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Board of Elections is required by the state to maintain usual business hours (8-4). We are, however, minimally staffed during this time. Any form that a candidate or a voter might need is available on our website. Persons lacking the ability to print forms can call our office at 315-253-1285 and forms will be mailed. If you need to personally visit our office we request that you call ahead.

The April 28th Democratic Presidential Primary and the NY Senate Special Election have been postponed until June 23rd. Voters who are concerned about the voting process given the impact of the corona virus can download an Absentee Ballot Application. You can print the form, fill it out and mail it to our office. We will mail you a ballot with instructions on returning it properly to the Board. If you have no ability to print the form, call our office at 315-253-1285 and request that we mail an application to you. You can also email us to request an application.

Voting absentee will have several benefits. First, you avoid any contact with other voters or contact with the pens or other materials used by multiple voters on Election Day. And if enough people vote by Absentee Ballot we will have fewer voters on Election Day, easing the problem of “crowding” at the polls. This protects the voter and our poll workers. There will be some later changes to polling locations.

As voting rules or dates change we will adjust our operations to protect your right to vote. Our office location is minimally staffed and available by appointment. Any form or information a candidate or voter might need can be found online on our website. Our phones will be monitored regularly and requests will be answered. Changes will be posted here on our website as determined by needed reaction to Governor’s orders or county-wide decisions.

3. County Clerk's Office

County Clerk’s Recording Office

The County Office Clerk’s Office is open by appointment, and we will be offering the following in-office services by appointment only:

Online Appointments: Now Available for the following

Title Search: Records Search in our office Monday- Friday 9:00 am-3:00 p.m. Visit time restricted to 3 Hour Maximum Per Week/ will need to make multiple one hour appointments to extend visit beyond an hour

DBA Filings: Monday - Friday from 10:00am–2:00pm

Notary Services: Take Oaths & Process Renewals Monday - Friday from 10:00am–2:00pm.

Oath of Office: administer oath for appointment to Cayuga County Board  Monday - Friday from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Appointments for the above services can be made online at https://cayugacountyclerk.setmore.com 

Recording and Filing Documents:

 Options:

Mail your documents to the office address: 160 Genesee St Auburn NY 13021

Drop off your documents to security guards at the front door of County Office Building. You can pick up your copies of processed paperwork the next day at the front door or include a postage paid envelope.

Efile: Electronically file court papers through NYSCEF e-filing system

E-Record: Land documents can be submitted through one of our e-recording partners

DBA’s: Download the form from our website and make an appointment to have your document notarized and processed or mail completed form to office, with a copy of your driver’s license, a check for $35 made payable to Cayuga County Clerk, and we will mail you two certified copies.

Passports: Until further notice, we are not processing passports. If you need a passport, please check with your local post office.

4. Department of Motor Vehicles

View updated information on the DMV -  Department of Motor Vehicles 

5. Department of Social Services

Department of Social Services

The County Office Building is closed to the public, except for Department of Social Services emergency services per guidance from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

NYDocSubmit is a mobile application that allows Cayuga County applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance, SNAP, HEAP and Medicaid to take pictures of their documents and submit them to the Department of Social Services. 

This free mobile app is available for download on Google Play or the Apple App Store. There is no need for you to take time off from work or travel to DSS to drop off documents. During this time of COVID-19 restrictions, having the ability to submit the necessary documentation from the comfort and safety of home is essential to continue supporting families in our county. 

Review the Quick Reference Card and FAQs.

At this time, there are no evictions and utility shut-offs

Notice to all recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance Cash Benefits (TA) with Medicaid (MA)

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is automatically extending certain TA/MA/SNAP and SNAP only recertifications scheduled to expire in March, April and May for a period of six (6) months (see below). The COVID-19 pandemic prevented some households from submitting recertification forms in a timely manner.

For the certification periods ending 3/31/20, 4/30/20, 5/31/20, and 6/30/20 a six (6) month extension of SNAP or TA/MA/SNAP benefits has been approved for cases throughout the State. 

If your case was scheduled to recertify by March 31, 2020, and did not get processed, your case must now be recertified by September 30, 2020. Your benefits WILL END if you do not recertify. 

If your case was scheduled to recertify by April 30, 2020, and did not get processed, your case must now be recertified by October 31, 2020. Your benefits WILL END if you do not recertify.

If your case was scheduled to recertify by May 31, 2020, and did not get processed, your case must now be recertified by November 30, 2020. Your benefits WILL END if you do not recertify.

If your case was scheduled to recertify by June 30, 2020, and did not get processed, your case must now be recertified by December 31, 2020. Your benefits WILL END if you do not recertify.

Daycare waiver

Cayuga County will be requesting approval of amendment changes to the childcare services portion of its Child and Family Services Plan due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 disaster emergency. The Office of Children and Family Services has given district the option of expanding the childcare services they provide to families affected by COVID-19. 

Any waivers granted to Cayuga County will be valid for a period of 30 days. Cayuga County will need to resubmit a new waiver request if they wish to extend the waiver period beyond the 30 days unless the district is directly notified by OCFS that the waiver is being extended. Details can be found on the social services website.

Please call the department you are seeking applications and other information from:

Temporary Assistance: Applicants 315-253-1294, Recipients 315-253-1291, Fax 315-253-1505

Day Care: 315-253-1218, Fax 315-253-8050

SNAP: 315-253-1210, Fax 315-253-4960. Apply online 

HEAP: 315-255-4904, Fax 315-253-1295. Apply online  

Medicaid Local: 315-253-1382, Fax 315-253-1230, State 1-888-355-5777. Apply online 

Child Support: 1-888-208-4485, Fax 315-253-1283. Statewide Reporting for Child Abuse Toll Free Hotline Number: 1-800-342-3720

Any paperwork can be placed in the drop box on the 1st floor. You can also mail to: Cayuga County Department of Social Services, 160 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021 or email Temporary Assistance or email SNAP.

6. County Court

Cayuga County Court

All Court activity is consolidated into the Historic Post Office. All phones are operating and there are staff to answer inquiries. We are only hearing emergency and urgent matters. All cases that had been scheduled for the next 60 days are being rescheduled. Notices should go out by the end of the week. Litigants are encouraged to access services by phone at 315-237-6450, email or postal mail. No mundane inquiries will be answered in person until further notice. Filings received by mail will be scheduled out beyond the 60 day mark. Any cases that do come on the calendar as emergencies will be heard in the Historic Post Office and no spectators (friends or family) will be allowed into the building.

7. District Attorney's Office

District Attorney’s Office

The office is no longer open to the public until further notice. Further, we are not currently accepting materials in person.  We accept correspondence, facsimile at 315-253-1521 or email.

If you have any questions or wish to speak with someone regarding a case please call the office at 315-253-1391 or send an email/fax and the staff will assist you.

If you are a crime victim, please contact Crime Victim/Witness Coordinator Kristine Francey at 315-253-1494 or email.

8. Emergency Services

Emergency Services

Effective 3/16/2020 the EMT Original and EMT Refresher courses will be postponed for 4 weeks. Instructors are preparing plans to keep students engaged from home. More communication to follow.

There will be no in-person appointments or meetings conducted in the Emergency Services department until further notice.

NYS OFPC has suspended state fire training effective 3/16/2020 for two weeks, tentatively ending on Sunday, March 30th.

9. Employment & Training

Employment & Training

The office is closed to the public but staff is taking calls to assist over the phone with unemployment insurance questions. Claims can be made online at www.labor.ny.gov and over the phone at 1-888-209-8124 M-F 8-5. Cayuga County Employment and Training and NYS DOL are both co-located at the Cayuga Works Career Center and can be reached at 315-253-1590.

10. Health Department

Health Department

The Cayuga County Health Department is diligently responding to COVID-19 by conducting disease surveillance, monitoring of quarantined individuals, facilitating and performing swabbing. Communication has taken place with many community partners including Auburn Community Hospital, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, schools, organizations and businesses. Staff have been fielding questions and concerns from members of the public.

The Cayuga County Health Department remains open, but our offices will be closed to the public unless an appointment is made. Please call the following numbers if you have any questions or need to discuss a public health issue.

Campgrounds

The Cayuga County Health Department is currently issuing permits for campgrounds for season-long occupancy, in which the campsite is like a second home to the occupant, with the following conditions:

• Only campsites leased by one family group for the entire camping season may be occupied.
• Only self-contained recreational vehicles with on-site bathroom facilities, potable water, and a sewer connection or an operator-run sewage scavenger service may be occupied.
• All common areas must remain closed including bathhouses, laundry facilities, community rooms, pools, dining areas, campfire pits, etc.
• All campers must be provided with County Health Department COVID-19 educational materials at check-in.
• All campers from outside of the local area are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and non-essential travel during that time is discouraged. The campers must be advised that if they come down with symptoms during this time such as a dry cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, they should contact their primary care physician.
• Campers must maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet from others and shall not congregate at another camper’s campsite.
• Only registered campers are allowed into the campground. No outside visitors are allowed into the campground.

COVID-19 Testing
NYS Guidance - Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:

•    An individual has come within proximate contact (same classroom, office, or gatherings) of another person known to be positive; or 

•    An individual has traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice, and shows symptoms of illness; or

•    An individual is quarantined (mandatory or precautionary) and has shown symptoms of COVID-19 illness; or

•    An individual is symptomatic and has not tested positive for any other infection; or

•    Other cases where the facts and circumstances warrant as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state and local department of health officials.

Community Health: 315-253-1560. While staff are responding to COVID-19, the Cayuga County Health Department still continues to perform our mandatory services. These include communicable disease control monitoring and investigations and programs that serve pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children.

Nursing services are limiting face-to-face interactions at this time and existing clients will be visited through tele-health exchange. All breastfeeding mothers in the community experiencing difficulty nursing their child should still reach out to the Health Department by either calling 315-253-1560, or by sending a direct message through the Cayuga County Breastfeeding Connection Facebook page to speak with one of our Certified Lactation Counselors.

WIC: 315-253-1406. Cayuga County WIC continues to provide services to the community. All sites including our main office location in Auburn and our sites in Cato and Moravia are closed to the public at this time. However, all appointments are being completed over the phone. Your benefits will not be cancelled and you must complete your appointment over the phone to have any additional benefits loaded to your eWIC card. Because all communication is happening over the phone, it is very important that we have accurate contact information so we can reach you. Please call us with any changes to your contact information to avoid a lapse in benefits. We continue to accept new applications through our website or by phone. Call our office if you have any questions and follow our Facebook page for updates. 

Immunization Clinics are cancelled until further notice.  If you had an appointment scheduled, a staff member from the Cayuga County Health Department will contact you to reschedule at an appropriate time in the future.  

Early Intervention: 315-253-1560. At this time, there will be no home visits. If appropriate, some therapy visits may be conducted through a teletherapy platform. IFSP reviews can be done via phone conferences. Please reach out to your service coordinator with any questions. Early Intervention is also suspending intake visits on any new referrals.   

Environmental Health: 315-253-1405. For questions or concerns related to rabies, food borne illnesses, public water, restaurants, mobile home parks, or other Environmental Health issues.

11. Historian's Office

Historian’s Office

The County Historian’s Office on Court Street in Auburn will be staffed but will be closed to the public until further notice. Contact the Historian’s Office via email at historian@cayugacounty.us or call 315-253-1300 from 9 am - 4 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The office is closed on Wednesdays.

12. Human Resources & Civil Service

Human Resources and Civil Service

If you need assistance, please call 315-253-1284 and leave a message or email. Someone will get back to you. Postponements and changes to exams will be communicated by website, email, and phone.

The May 16th Civil Service Exam has been postponed.

13. Legislature

Due to the recent circumstances of COVID-19, Legislature and Committee Meetings will be live streamed for the public to view. 

Tune in to upcoming Legislative Meetings or view videos of previous Legislative Meetings. 

14. Mental Health

Mental Health

The Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center (CCCMHC) remains open. Some changes have been made to the services provided. There is no change for community members who receive medications at CCCMHC. If you receive medications (including injectable medications), you will continue to receive your medication as regularly scheduled. Please report to the building for your appointment.

If you are a current client and have a scheduled appointment with a therapist, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist, your appointment will be conducted via telephone. You will receive a phone call from your provider at your scheduled appointment time. Future appointments will continue to be scheduled and will be conducted via telephone until further notice. If you do not receive a phone call during your scheduled appointment time and are waiting more than 10 minutes, please call 315-253-0341 to let us know.

For community members who work with a care manager at CCCMHC, all appointments will be conducted by telephone until further notice.

If you are a current client and your phone number has changed, please call CCCMHC at 315-253-0341 to update your phone number.

If you would like to request services at CCCMHC as a new client, please call CCCMHC at 315-253-0341 to make an appointment. All appointments with new clients will be conducted via telephone.

If you do not have a phone or have access to a phone, please come to CCCMHC for your scheduled appointment. You will be given access to a phone in the building in order to speak with your therapist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or care manager.

If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact our office at 315-253-0341. Staff is available to assist community members experiencing a crisis during normal hours of operation (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).

Crisis services remain available after our normal business hours and can be accessed by calling the same number 315-253-0341. You will be connected to the after-hours crisis service.

More frequently asked questions regarding medications, refills, and phone appointments.

15. Office for the Aging

Office for the Aging

Our staff will respond to your inquiries at 315-253-1226 or e-mail between 9 am and 2 pm Monday - Friday, but the building is not open for office visits. We can help with:

• Medicare questions and enrollment/changes for 5/1/20 for Medicare Supplements, Advantage plans, and Part D drug coverage
• In-home contracted aide service and case management services for clients 60 and over who meet program eligibility requirements.
• Questions about long term care and benefits eligibility assistance for those 60 and over.

Free Masks for Seniors

• Cayuga County Office for the Aging and the NYS Office for the Aging are providing clos face masks for seniors during the month of May. Find out when and where

Meals on Wheels (315-253-1550) will be delivered on a normal schedule as long as possible. We are accepting new referrals for those 60 and over who meet program eligibility requirements, but due to a high volume of requests, there is currently a waiting list.

Congregate nutrition sites at Boyle, Mercy, Stryker, and Schwartz Towers apartment buildings are closed, but registered congregate participants 60 and over can still request a daily meal.

For all senior nutrition program questions, please call 315-253-1550 or e-mail. All program participants are encouraged to have a supply of shelf stable meals on hand in case of service disruption.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. Read press release

Advice about medical appointments: While everyone is urged to stay home as much as possible, this may effect prior scheduled doctor’s appointments. Try calling the office to see if you could speak to someone by phone instead of going in to be seen. Telehealth is also an option for many people with Medicare. Call the back of your card for a phone number or ways to be contacted by telehealth. Some plans require you to register, go online for a mobile app, and some Advantage plans have a direct phone number to call. OFA staff have some of the plan specifics – call us at 315-253-1226. Remember, if this is COVID-19 related, the call and service should be covered without any cost-sharing from you.

Matilda’s Law was enacted to protect New York’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals age 70 and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses. 

Beware of COVID-19 SCAMS! Review the COVID-19 Consumer Tip Sheet for what you can do to stop COVID-19 fraud and what Medicare covers in relations to COVID-19.

More frequently asked questions regarding food needs, grocery delivery, home care, medicare, NYS benefits, social security, transportation, and tax preparation.

Recommendations from the NYS Department of Health on protecting residents in nursing homes. 

AgingCare.com - Activities for the elderly (and others) at home

16. Parks & Trails

Parks & Trails

Call 315-253-5611 or email for all inquiries prior to visiting the offices. Event inquiries, rentals, boat slips, contracts and other inquiries can be handled over the phone, by email or postal services. 

• The Agricultural museum has returned to normal operating hours.
• The Sterling Nature Center is offering limited programming and facility hours.

17. Planning & Economic Development

Planning & Economic Development

The Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development is operating with reduced staff in the office and we are asking members of the public to conduct business remotely.

Please use email or phones for questions and correspondence. Emailing is the most effective way to communicate during this time and our staff will respond to you as soon as possible. Please visit the department web page for our staff directory or email us for general questions/correspondence.

Until further notice, County Planning staff will not be attending meetings or traveling to any remote meetings.

18. Probation

Probation

Call 315-253-1246 to speak to your Probation Officer about reporting requirements and appointments. For restitution payments call 315-294-8115.

19. Real Property

Real Property

Visitors by appointment only. All inquiries should be made via phone at 315-253-1270 or email.

20. Records Retention Office

Records Retention Center

The County Records Retention Center on Court Street in Auburn will be staffed, but will be closed to the public until further notice. Records may be obtained via email at ccrecords@cayugacounty.us or call 315-253-1037 from 9 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday.

21. Sheriff's Office

Sheriff’s Office

The lobby at the Sheriff’s Office is closed until further notice. Please contact the following resources to meet your needs and allow us time to accommodate requests.

Reporting a crime: 315-253-1222 or 911

Records Requests: 315-253-1148 or ccsorecords@cayugacounty.us

Pistol Permit Questions: 315-253-4148 or jryan@cayugacounty.us

Deliveries and Jail Business: Push button on wall for entry

Any other questions or issues: 315-253-1222 or fcornelius@cayugacounty.us

Changes to patrol response:

In a continuing effort to contain and minimize the spread of the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic and operating under a State and County State of Emergency, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented some precautionary measures while still maintaining our role in public safety.

The 911 Center will inquire from every caller whether or not anyone in their household is experiencing flu-like symptoms. This will allow our supervisors to make a determination on how to best handle complaints while maintaining a degree of social distancing. It is imperative we do our part not to spread this virus while keeping our officers healthy in order to continue maintaining public safety.

Our patrols will continue to respond to all in-progress and emergency calls while taking precautions such as the wearing of N95 masks and gloves when necessary.

Our patrols may connect with complainants via phone to initiate and handle complaints that are not in-progress emergencies when it is determined to be in the best interest of those involved. We recognize this is a change in practice, however we believe this temporary measure will contribute to minimizing our exposure and spread of this virus within our community.

No matter the circumstances, the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office continues to uphold our mission of providing responsive, caring, unbiased, and professional services during this time.

22. Treasurer's Office

Treasurer’s Office

Our office is closed to the public, however staff are maintaining operations. Our hours of operation are currently 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Payments

Payments to our office may be mailed, made on-line (2.25% service fee for credit/debit transactions or a flat $2.50 fee for e-checks will be applied by the credit card processor), or payment may be dropped off to security to be placed in a locked drop box in the lobby. Payments dropped off to security should be in a sealed envelope with "Treasurer’s Office" written on the front. If you would like a receipt, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For payment figures please contact our office at 315-253-1211.

Certificate of Residence

Students may submit completed applications to the County Treasurer’s Office by mail or they may drop off their application to security to be placed in a locked drop box in the lobby. Please include with your application a stamped, addressed envelope, so we can mail the Certificate of Residence to the correct location.

Students should complete the application by filling out the top portion, signing the application in front of a Notary Public, and having the Town Clerk/City Clerk (not County Clerk) in which they reside verify residency on the bottom of the form. Incomplete applications will be returned to the student.

Retiree Benefits

Payments may be mailed or dropped off to security to be placed in a locked drop box in the lobby. Payments dropped off to security should be in a sealed envelope with "Treasurer’s Office" written on the front.

Other Services (Bail Return, Witness Fees, etc.)

Please contact our office at 315-253-1211 for further direction.