Hornell, New York Public Records

Steuben County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Steuben County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Corning Police Department and Hornell Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while city departments manage policing within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage across the county.

The Steuben County Jail, located in Bath, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup can be done through the Steuben County Sheriff's Office website, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows New York State guidelines, allowing for cash bail or bond posting through a bail bondsman.

Hornell residents are served by multiple court systems depending on case type and severity. The Hornell City Court, located at 82 Main Street, Hornell, NY 14843 (phone: 607-324-1110), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $15,000 within city limits. Court hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. For felony cases, county-level civil matters exceeding city court jurisdiction, and family court issues, residents use the Steuben County Court system headquartered at the Steuben County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810. The County Court (phone: 607-776-9631) handles felonies and civil cases over $25,000. Steuben County Family Court (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2500) handles custody, support, family offense, and juvenile matters. Steuben County Surrogate's Court (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2400) manages probate, estate administration, and guardianship proceedings.

New York State Unified Court System offers online case searching through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/FCASMain for some civil cases, though not all Steuben County cases are available online. Criminal case information can sometimes be searched through the eCourts system, but many records require in-person requests at the courthouse. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $6 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $6 certification fee. For case status, docket information, or copies of pleadings, requesters should contact the specific court clerk's office. Supreme Court cases (major civil litigation and divorce) are also filed in Steuben County Supreme Court at the Bath courthouse, phone 607-776-9631 ext. 2200.

The criminal records system in Steuben County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Steuben County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible through background checks compliant with New York State laws. The New York Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive criminal background information.

Arrest records in Steuben County are maintained by the Steuben County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). A Steuben County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for these records can be made in person or through written requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Property and land records for Hornell are maintained by Steuben County offices in Bath. The Steuben County Real Property Tax Services Office, located at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2550, website: steubencountyny.gov/realproperty), maintains assessment rolls, property tax records, and parcel information for all properties in Hornell and throughout the county. The office provides online access to property data through a GIS mapping system and searchable database where users can look up parcels by address, owner name, or tax map number. Information available online typically includes assessed value, property class, lot size, school district, sales history, and tax exemptions. The service is generally free to search, though certified copies or detailed tax bills may require fees.

The Steuben County Clerk's Office, at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2345, website: steubencountyny.gov/clerk), serves as the recorder of deeds and maintains official land records including property deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The office has indexed records dating back to the county's formation in 1796. While some counties in New York offer free online access to recorded documents, Steuben County's land records can be searched and viewed online through a subscription-based service or by visiting the Clerk's office in person. Recording fees vary by document type: deeds typically cost $130-$205 depending on page count, mortgages have additional state and county mortgage taxes applied. The County Clerk also maintains business certificates (DBAs), UCC financing statements, and military discharge records. To conduct a property title search, users can search by grantor/grantee name, liber and page number, or property description in the land records index.

Hornell's economy has historically been anchored by rail transportation and manufacturing, with the city serving as a regional employment center for southern Steuben County. The largest employer in Hornell is Alstom Transportation (formerly Bombardier Transportation), which operates a major rail car manufacturing facility employing several hundred workers producing passenger rail cars and locomotives for transit agencies across North America. The plant has been a cornerstone of Hornell's economy since the 1850s when the facility began as the Erie Railroad shops. Healthcare is another major sector, with St. James Hospital (part of University of Rochester Medicine) providing approximately 500 jobs as a critical access hospital serving Hornell and surrounding communities. Education employment comes from Hornell City School District and nearby Alfred State College in Alfred and Wellsville.

The median household income in Hornell is estimated at approximately $39,000-$42,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the community's working-class character and challenges common to smaller upstate New York industrial cities. Downtown Hornell features local retailers, restaurants, and service businesses along Main Street, though like many small cities in the region, it has faced competition from larger retail centers in Corning and Elmira. Recent economic development efforts have focused on downtown revitalization, including facade improvements and business attraction programs through the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce. The city benefits from its location along State Route 36 and Interstate 390 approximately 15 miles west. Agriculture remains important in surrounding rural areas, with dairy farming predominant. Steuben County overall has a more diversified economy with significant glass manufacturing (Corning Incorporated headquarters in Corning), wine tourism in the Finger Lakes region's southern tier, and natural gas development. Hornell's economic outlook remains tied to the continued operation of the Alstom plant and healthcare sector stability, with workforce development and downtown vitality as ongoing priorities.

The Hornell Police Department, headquartered at 82 Main Street, Hornell, NY 14843 (phone: 607-324-1110), provides law enforcement services within city limits. The department maintains records of arrests, incident reports, accident reports, and police blotter information. To request copies of police reports, individuals can visit headquarters in person or submit written requests under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law §§ 84-90. There may be fees for photocopies, and certain records may be exempt from disclosure if they would interfere with investigations or compromise privacy. For areas outside city limits, the Steuben County Sheriff's Office, located at 7007 Rumsey Street Extension, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9404, website: steubencountyny.gov/sheriff), provides patrol and law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of the county and assists municipal departments.

Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Steuben County can be searched through the Steuben County Jail inmate roster, typically available on the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at 607-776-9404. The roster generally displays current inmates with information including name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and sometimes booking photographs. For historical arrest records or more detailed information, requesters must submit FOIL requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency. New York's FOIL law requires agencies to acknowledge receipt of requests within five business days and provide records or explain denials within a reasonable timeframe. Certain law enforcement records may be withheld if disclosure would endanger life or safety, identify confidential sources, reveal criminal investigative techniques, or interfere with ongoing investigations, as specified in Public Officers Law § 87(2)(e).

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Hornell are issued by the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section and the Steuben County Clerk's Office. For births and deaths occurring within the past two years, applications must be made to the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602 (phone: 855-322-1022, website: health.ny.gov/vital_records). Birth certificates cost $30 for a certified copy, death certificates cost $30, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $15 each. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at health.ny.gov/vital_records for expedited service with additional fees. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, faster if ordered online with rush service. Only eligible persons can request vital records: the registrant (if of age), parent, spouse, child, sibling, or legal representative with proper documentation.

For births and deaths occurring more than two years ago, certified copies can be obtained from either the state or the Steuben County Clerk's Office at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2345). County fees are the same as state fees: $30 for the first copy, $15 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Marriage licenses in New York must be obtained from any city or town clerk in the state; Hornell residents can apply at the Hornell City Clerk, 82 Main Street, Hornell, NY 14843 (phone: 607-324-1110), or the Steuben County Clerk in Bath. The marriage license fee is $40, and there is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can occur. The license is valid for 60 days. Marriage certificates (proof of recorded marriage) cost $30. Divorce records are maintained by the County Clerk where the divorce was granted; searching requires the year and names of both parties. New York requires government-issued photo ID for all vital record requests, and relationship to the registrant must be proven with documentation.

Business licensing requirements for Hornell operate at city, county, and state levels depending on business type. The City of Hornell does not have a general business license requirement, but certain business activities may require specific permits from the Code Enforcement Office at City Hall, 82 Main Street, Hornell, NY 14843 (phone: 607-324-1110). Building permits, signage permits, and zoning approvals are handled through city departments. Sales tax certificates of authority must be obtained through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance regardless of location. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a "Certificate of Assumed Name" (DBA) with the Steuben County Clerk's Office, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2345). The filing fee is $25 for sole proprietorships and general partnerships, and the certificate must be renewed every five years. The County Clerk maintains an index of business certificates searchable by business name or owner name.

Corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231 (website: dos.ny.gov/corporations). Entity searches are free and available online at the Division of Corporations website, where users can search by business name, DOS identification number, or entity type to view status, formation date, registered agent, business address, and filing history. Articles of incorporation for a domestic corporation cost $125, LLC articles of organization cost $200, and all entities must publish formation notices in designated newspapers (an unusual New York requirement). UCC financing statements (liens on business assets and personal property) are filed with the Department of State's UCC Division and searchable online at appext20.dos.ny.gov/ucc_search. Commercial property tax assessments for Hornell businesses can be searched through the Steuben County Real Property Tax Services website at steubencountyny.gov/realproperty, providing current assessed values, tax rates, and exemptions for business properties.

Hornell voters are served by the Steuben County Board of Elections, located at 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810 (phone: 607-776-9631 ext. 2490, website: steubencountyny.gov/boe). This office handles all voter registration, absentee ballots, polling place assignments, and election administration for Hornell and all other municipalities in Steuben County. New York residents can register to vote online at vote.nyc (the state's online voter registration portal managed by the State Board of Elections at elections.ny.gov), by mail using a paper application, or in person at the county Board of Elections or DMV offices. The voter registration deadline is 25 days before any election. New York requires no identification to register if using the online system with DMV records, though new registrants without a NY driver license or Social Security number must provide ID when first voting. Voters must be U.S. citizens, 18 years old by election day, residents of Steuben County for at least 30 days before the election, and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.

Hornell holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council (Common Council) positions. The Mayor serves a four-year term, and council members serve staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections in Hornell are held in odd-numbered years, with the next mayoral election scheduled for November 2025. Hornell voters also participate in Steuben County elections for County Legislature representatives, county-wide offices including County Clerk, Sheriff, and District Attorney (typically four-year terms in even years), and state/federal elections. To find their assigned polling place, Hornell residents can use the New York State Board of Elections polling place lookup tool at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the Steuben County Board of Elections. Polling places in Hornell have historically included locations such as Hornell Intermediate School, First Baptist Church, and the YMCA, though assignments vary by election district.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Steuben County reported approximately 45,000 registered voters with turnout around 62-65%, typical for rural upstate New York counties. Donald Trump carried Steuben County with approximately 65-68% of the vote, reflecting the county's strong Republican lean. On November 3, 2026, Hornell and Steuben County voters will decide several significant races: New York's gubernatorial election (Governor Kathy Hochul's seat, four-year term), all New York State Assembly seats (150 districts, two-year terms—Hornell is in Assembly District 148), half of the New York State Senate (63 districts, two-year terms—Hornell is in Senate District 58), one U.S. Senate seat (Kirsten Gillibrand's seat is up for election in 2024, Chuck Schumer's in 2028, so 2026 will not feature a U.S. Senate race for New York unless a special election occurs), and all U.S. House seats including New York's 23rd Congressional District which includes Hornell. County-level races in 2026 may include Steuben County Legislature seats and potentially countywide offices depending on term schedules. Local ballot measures, if any, will be publicized by the County Board of Elections beginning 45 days before the election.

New York allows absentee voting for voters who will be absent from the county on election day, unable to vote due to illness or disability, or have duties related to primary care of individuals who are ill or disabled. Since 2020, New York has also allowed early voting at designated sites for nine days before election day. Absentee ballot applications can be requested online through the Steuben County Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is seven days before the election; in-person requests can be made until the day before the election. Voted absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day and received within seven days (for military/overseas ballots, received within 13 days). Public election records available in New York include voter registration lists (available for political purposes with restrictions, $5 per 1,000 names), campaign finance disclosure reports searchable at nyccr.elections.ny.gov, candidate petition filings, and precinct-level election results published by the State Board of Elections at elections.ny.gov/2024ElectionResults.html and county Board of Elections. Poll books and ballot images are generally not publicly available but may be reviewed under court supervision in election contests.