LITTLE VALLEY — Two longtime leaders of Cattaraugus County departments received legislative approval June 25 to continue their service for several more years.

Crystal J. Abers was re-appointed Director of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism for a four-year term commencing Jan. 6, 2026, and terminating Jan. 5, 2030. Abers was first appointed to the position in late 2009, with her first term beginning in January 2010.

“This is a long-time department head, a great person and a great leader of that department,” said legislature vice chair Michael Brisky. “On behalf of the legislature, I’d like to congratulate you on your reappointment.”

Before leading the Economic Development, Planning and Tourism department, Abers was the first woman elected County Legislature chairman in May 2006, succeeding Gerard “Jess” Fitzpatrick of Ellicottville. She was first elected to the legislature in 1999, serving 10 years.

This past June, Abers led primary election results from town of Dayton Republicans with 107 votes to represent the party for the town supervisor race in November.

Chairman M. Andrew Burr also thanked Abers for her years with the county, saying her services to the county and the department are noticed and appreciated.

Additionally, Daniel T. Martonis was reappointed Director of Real Property Tax Services for a six-year term commencing Oct. 1 and terminating Sept. 30, 2031. Martonis said he’s been with the county for 22 years and has served as the Real Property Tax Services director for 14.

Brisky congratulated Martonis on his reappointment on behalf of the legislature, adding, “You run a professional office. We get a lot of compliments from the towns and villages and the taxpayers that you serve.”

Burr also thanked Martonis for his service and dedication to the county, noting his department’s lean, trim and responsible operation over the years.

“Certainly, your reassessment efforts have made an impact on county revenue, and we appreciate what you do,” Burr told Martonis. “You do a fine job.”

Also regarding personnel, upon former administrator John “Jack” Searles’s retirement in June, new administrator Kelly Reed was appointed to the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027, and to the Fleet Management Committee for an indefinite term.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the county is expected to receive $467,578.61 in payments following a $462 million multi-state settlement from JUUL Labs, Inc. for its role in fueling the youth vaping epidemic that led to a dangerous rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide.

Settlement funds are being allocated for evidence-based measures to combat underage vaping, including programs that promote public health, education and prevention of nicotine addiction.

Cattaraugus County’s share — part of $8.8 million allocated to Western New York — will be received in eight equal payments with the first two payments being combined and totaling $116,894.

The county is also expected to receive over $129,000 from the New York State Department of Health as part of the drinking water enhancement program for a five-year contract running April 1 through March 31, 2030. The program is 100% state-funded.

The legislature also authorized contracts with four local municipalities for snow and ice control, which began with the 2022–25 winters and the terms of which expired May 31.

Contracts have been negotiated with the towns of Allegany, Mansfield, Salamanca and the village of Cattaraugus for the 2025–28 winters. Additional contracts may also be negotiated for one-year terms, and

The county shall pay $4,733.06 per mile for snow and ice control services as follows:

• Allegany – 2 miles of road, $9,466.12.
• Mansfield – .72 miles, $3,407.80.
• Salamanca – .9 miles, $4,259.75.
• Cattaraugus – .9 miles, $4,259.75.