Last Updated: 3/12/2026
State of the County Address
Tioga County Legislature
Delivered Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
By
Tracy Monell, Legislative Chair
Good afternoon and thank you all for being here today.
It is both an honor and a responsibility to stand before you today and speak about the state of Tioga County. Our county government exists for one purpose — to serve the people of Tioga County — and the strength of our community is reflected in the work that takes place every day across our departments, our towns and villages, and among the dedicated public servants who keep our county moving forward. That is why I can stand in front of you today, and say, “the state of Tioga County is strong”.
Tioga County is a place defined by its people. We are a largely rural, agriculture-based community with a small population but a strong identity. Our residents are farmers, small business owners, tradespeople, and families who work hard every day to build better lives while maintaining the close-knit community that makes Tioga County special. It is that spirit of hard work, resilience, and “neighbor helping neighbor” that continues to shape our county and guide the work of our local government.
It is my privilege to deliver the State of the County Address on behalf of the Tioga County Legislature. I would like to begin by thanking my fellow legislators, the Legislative Clerk, Cathy Haskell, Deputy Legislative Clerk, Breige Graven, our County Administrator, Jackson Bailey, our department heads, and the many county employees who serve the residents of Tioga County each and every day. The work of county government is not always visible to the public, but it is essential to maintaining the safety, stability, and quality of life that our residents rely upon.
County government touches nearly every part of daily life. Whether it is maintaining our roads and bridges, protecting public health, ensuring public safety, administering elections, or supporting veterans and families in need, the services provided by Tioga County support communities across our towns and villages every day.
Throughout 2025, Tioga County continued to make meaningful investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services. One of the most significant initiatives underway is the modernization of the countywide emergency radio communications system. This project will strengthen communication capabilities for first responders and improve coordination during emergencies across Tioga County.
Our Department of Public Works has also played a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports county operations. Over the past year, the department has completed several major facility improvements and infrastructure projects that will help ensure county buildings and systems remain safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Tioga County continues to support economic development and community growth. Through the work of our Economic Development and Planning Department, the county has helped administer grant funding, support redevelopment initiatives, and assist local businesses as they grow and invest in our communities.
Public health and human services remain central to the mission of county government. Our Public Health Department continues to promote community wellness through prevention programs, outreach initiatives, and environmental health protections. At the same time, our Departments of Social Services and Mental Hygiene provide vital support to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.
Public safety also remains a top priority. The Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, and Public Defender’s Office work together every day to maintain a fair and effective justice system that protects the rights and safety of our residents.
Our Board of Elections continues to uphold the integrity of our democratic process by administering fair and transparent elections throughout the county, ensuring residents are able to exercise one of the most important rights in our democracy.
Our Veterans Service Agency works tirelessly to support the men and women who have served our country, helping them access the benefits and services they have earned through their sacrifice and commitment.
As we look ahead, I remain confident in the future of Tioga County. Our strength has always come from the people who call this county home — individuals who work hard, support their neighbors, and care deeply about their communities.
As one of the strongest stewards of the commitment to public service, I would like to recognize the prior Chairwoman of the Tioga County Legislature, Martha Sauerbrey, who advocated tirelessly for the well-being of the county with 20 years of service, and was one of the biggest supporters of the radio tower communications upgrade project, and also emergency preparedness for the county. Having had to navigate the floods that devastated our communities, and the COVID-19 pandemic that threatened our way of life, Martha led this county through each challenge and worked to build systems so that should anything like that happen again, Tioga County would be ready and prepared to serve and help its citizens to the best of its ability. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
I would also like to acknowledge two Legislators, who in 2025 had transitioned to full-time county employees and department heads. Former District 5 Legislator Dennis Mullen is now the Director of Veterans' Services, and former District 3 Legislator Barbara Roberts, who now serves as the elected County Treasurer in 2026. With the District 5 vacancy, the County welcomed former Mayor of the Village of Waverly, Andrew Aronstam as a County Legislator. In 2026, the County also welcomed Jo Ellen Rose, the newly elected District 2 Legislator, and David Cantella, appointed by the Legislature pending the 2026 election, for District 3.
The same values that built this county — hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of community — continue to guide us today. By continuing to work collaboratively, invest responsibly in our infrastructure and services, and support the people who make this county what it is, we can ensure that Tioga County remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and communities can remain strong for generations to come.
Respectfully,
Tracy Monell
