By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2020 at 3:36 pm
Rate in May is about triple the unemployed from May 2019
The local and state unemployment rates, while far higher than they were a year ago, have come down from the highs in April.
The state Department of Labor reports the unemployment rate in Orleans was 11.6 percent in May and 14.2 percent state-wide.
In April it was 15.8 percent in Orleans and 15.0 percent state-wide.
In Orleans, the number of people working was 15,000 in May, compared to 16,400 in May 2019. The number of unemployed went from 700 in May 2019 to 2,000 last month.
In Orleans, some businesses were able to reopen in Phase 1 on May 15, with Phase 2 starting on May 29. Phase 3 began on June 12. Orleans County and the rest of the Finger Lakes Region can start in Phase 4 on Friday (June 26).
The 11.6 percent unemployment rate in Orleans County compares to a 4.0 percent rate in May 2019, long before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The unemployment rates in May for other nearby counties include:
Niagara at 16.0 percent, Erie at 13.9 percent; Livingston at 11.0 percent; Monroe at 9.6 percent, Ontario is at 10.1 percent; Genesee at 10.1 percent; and Wyoming at 10.1 percent.
When Orleans County hit 15.8 percent unemployed in April, it was the first time Orleans was above 10 percent in unemployment since February 2013 (10.6 percent) and January 2013 (11.2 percent).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2020 at 9:23 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County and Town of Albion highway workers on Aug. 19, 2019 work on a new culvert on Clarendon Road. The county is seeking federal funding to help pay for more culvert, bridge and road work.
Orleans County officials have identified about $40 million worth of infrastructure work in a list of projects that could move forward in future federal stimulus bills.
The New York State Association of Counties on Monday sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders calling for immediate action on infrastructure investment as part of any future economic stimulus packages.
The letter included a list of infrastructure projects from 40 counties totaling more than $7.35 billion.
The Orleans County, the list includes four main initiatives that total $40,362,555.
In Orleans County, the projects on the list include:
• Orleans/Niagara Regional Alliance Broadband Initiative: Total cost at $10,131,655.
That project would expand high-speed wireless internet to which would expand educational and economic opportunities for consumer sin remote locations. It would allow residents to take advantage of telemedicine opportunities, and allow students to do distance learning at colleges, universities and other platforms.
“We have experienced major issues during the coronavirus pandemic for educational and telemedicine’s access in rural communities,” according to a June 2 letter by County Legislator Ken DeRoller, listing the infrastructure needs in the county.
• Emergency Management Organization Operational Center/Training Facility on West Countyhouse Road in Albion at a cost of $350,000.
This project which correct deficiencies in the current buildings which have caused operational issues, according to a fact sheet from the county.
The project would provide a sufficient meeting room, training room and office space, and would be ADA complaint.
• Orleans County infrastructure improvement initiative with roads, bridges and culverts at a cost of $17,425,500.
John Papponetti, county DPW superintendent, said the county will have bridges and culverts is pushing to have some of the preliminary engineering done on the projects, with cost estimates, so they would be eligible for federal stimulus funding.
• Orleans County Shared Water Service Infrastructure Project at a cost of $12,455,400.
This project would add transmission lines and water storage tanks, increasing fire flows, storage and reducing the water rate. It would eliminate some dead ends, replace some aging infrastructure and add another major transmission line. It would also increase the capacity of water in the county for future economic and residential development needs.
NYSAC projects that counties across New York State (outside of New York City) currently have more $10.8 billion in infrastructure funding needs and that fully funding these projects could create or save up to 200,000 jobs, helping to revitalize local economies as they begin the process of recovering from the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic.
“Now is the time to innovate, to invest in our future, and to rebuild a stronger, smarter infrastructure for the good of all,” said NYSAC President John F. Marren. “It is in this spirit of renewal that we presented these project recommendations to our federal partners. These projects represent a significant opportunity to jumpstart our economy, add construction and trade jobs to our workforce, and strengthen our infrastructure for the next generation of Americans.”
The renewed call for federal funding comes as counties grapple with dramatic drops in revenues. Sales tax revenues for the month of May were down 32 percent statewide, in line with NYSAC’s most recent Coronavirus Economic Impact Report which projects that counties outside New York City will face revenue losses of up to $2 billion and the potential of another $1.5 billion in state budget cuts.
Despite these historic revenue losses, counties are required under state law to fully fund and administer all state and federal programs, which are in high demand during the pandemic and recession.
“Every community in New York has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 and the corresponding economic shutdown in response to the virus,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “The infrastructure projects that we are presenting to Congress and the President today are a once in a generation opportunity to provide an economic shot in the arm and reshape these communities better and stronger than ever before.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2020 at 10:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse in Albion is illumined in several colors at night this week in honor of the Class of 2020 at Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
The dome has six lights. The county Department of Public Works is using filters made by Takeform in Medina to display six colors: red, blue, white, orange, purple and yellow.
All six colors will be shown beginning this evening through Sunday night. Albion has purple and yellow for its school colors, Holley is red and white, Kendall is blue and white, Lyndonville is orange and black, and Medina is blue and red.
“We understand that during this challenging time,” said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer. “We all need to recognize the accomplishments our 2020 graduates have achieved. We are proud of each and every one of you and wish you much success as you begin the next chapter in your lives.”
In the past the dome has been pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and green to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2020 at 5:57 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse in Albion will be illumined in six different colors this week in honor of the senior classes at Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
The dome has six lights. The county Department of Public Works is using filters made by Takeform in Medina to display six colors: red, blue, white, orange, purple and yellow.
All six colors will be shown beginning this evening through Sunday night.
“We understand that during this challenging time,” said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer. “We all need to recognize the accomplishments our 2020 graduates have achieved. We are proud of each and every one of you and wish you much success as you begin the next chapter in your lives.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2020 at 10:23 am
Polls also will be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Orleans County Board of Elections has already received 4,288 absentee ballots for Tuesday’s special election and primary.
The office received requests for 7,197 absentees. The county currently has 23,111 registered voters.
In addition to the absentee option, the Board of Elections offered early voting over nine days from June 13 until June 21. There were 151 early voters.
The polls will also be open on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To see a list of the polling places, click here.
There are primaries at the local level (Orleans County Clerk, Republican Committees in Murray and Ridgeway), and federal positions (special election for NY-27th and Republican Primary for NY-27th) and the Democratic Presidential primary.
The County Board of Elections encourages voters to wear a mask if they go to the polls on Tuesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2020 at 9:35 pm
‘We can not sit idle as the haphazard application of phase transitions continues to negatively affect our business owners and constituents.’
ALBION — The chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature sent a letter today to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, asking him to authorize all businesses in the county to fully reopen.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson is chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature.
“The businesses of Orleans County have done an incredible job of persevering during this pandemic,” Lynne Johnson wrote to Cuomo. “They have been adaptive to the new normal, supportive of fellow business owners, and understanding of an ever-changing logistical landscape as it relates to health protocols and reopening guidance.”
Orleans County is currently in phase 3 of a four-phase reopening. Phase 4 could start on Friday, June 26, if the Covid-19 numbers in the Finger Lakes Region don’t spike with hospitalizations, infections and ICU beds.
Johnson said Cuomo and the state have given “mixed messages” in the first three phases, and often given too short of notice to businesses.
The state also initially favored big box businesses over “mom and pop” stores on Main Street, Johnson wrote in her letter.
“Some sectors were in Phase 2, then pushed to Phase 3, and then allowed ultimately to open in Phase 2,” Johnson writes in her letter. “The list goes on and on of the communication challenges. We do realize, as you previously articulated, you are ‘building the plane as you fly it.’”
Johnson also said there is “an issue lately of credibility” with large-scale peaceful gatherings “which we support,” she writes.
However, freedom to assembly for other purposes, even with social distancing or at reduced density, is only allowed with strict guidelines.
‘We will not continue to play middleman for the State’s messaging confusion.’
Johnson tells the governor she understands he has authority with his executive orders.
“We respect your position, your powers and your authority,” she writes. “That being said, we have lost respect for this process, the methodology, and the approach. We can not sit idle as the haphazard application of phase transitions continues to negatively affect our business owners and constituents.”
Johnson said the state should put out the guidelines for Phase 4 soon so those industries and businesses can ramp up for their reopening.
“The less than 24 hours notice provided in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 transitions was simply unfair and impractical,” Johnson writes.
“We have urged the business community to use discretion and caution and have stressed adherence to strict health, safety and sanitation protocols,” she said. “We are here, as we have been through this pandemic, to assist these business owners with PPE needs and questions on best practices, social distancing and mask-wearing.”
Johnson said the county officials aren’t playing politics with public health.
“Nothing about this statement is reckless or cavalier,” she said. “Our decision-making is measured, modest and rational.”
While the governor can open and close elements of the economy through executive orders, “full adherence, cooperation and unequivocal allegiance are not requirements in our job descriptions for Legislators. We will not continue to play middleman for the State’s messaging confusion.”
Johnson said the positive health data in the county and region warrant moving to Phase 4.
“We trust and respect our business community partners and know that they will be considerate and careful in their reopening process,” she concluded.
Press Release, Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch
ALBION – We are pleased to announce that the County Office Building now has three lock boxes near the entrance to assist our residents to conduct business is a safe and healthy manner when the public needs to drop off forms or renewals.
There is one lockbox for the Department of Motor Vehicles, a general lockbox for the County Office Building and one lockbox for the Department of Social Services. Each box is labeled, DMV, COB, DSS.
Our Department of Motor Vehicles is now accepting appointments for in person transactions at DMV. Please call (585) 589-3214 to schedule your appointment.
We have modified our procedures for entering the County Office Building. The procedures include COVID-19 symptoms screening which includes a non-evasive temperature reading, a sign-in log, and passing through a metal detector. Of course, social distancing is important in all of our buildings as you go to the location required to conduct your business.
When entering all of our buildings, we ask that you wear a face mask or cloth face-covering while inside the building. If however, you are unable to wear a face mask or cloth face-covering due to a medical or health reason, we ask that our complete an acknowledgement that you or a member of your party declines to wear a face mask or cloth face-covering due to a medical or health reason. This also would need to be completed if a minor child is not wearing a face mask or cloth face-covering.
The Treasurer’s Office also has a lockbox located outside of Central Hall for your convenience in dropping documents for the Treasurer’s Office.
We are also maintaining the forms resource area for the Department of Social Services. Forms or applications are there near the entrance of the County Office Building for your convenience.
These measures have been put into place to provide services to our residents in a safe and healthy environment as we continue to move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently we are still open for business, to make an appointment to conduct your business please call:
• Clerk’s Building
County Clerk: (585) 589-5334
Real Property: (585) 589-5400
• County Office Building
DMV: (585) 589-3214
Elections: (585) 589-3274
Job Development: (585) 589-2772
Legislature: (585) 589-7053
Office for the Aging: (585) 589-3191
Personnel and Self Insurance: (585) 589-3186
Planning and Development: (585) 589-3198
Social Services: (585) 589-7000
Tourism: (585) 589-3102
• Emergency Management Office: (585) 589-4414
• Department of Public Works: (585) 589-6145
• Mental Health: (585) 589-7066
• Central Hall
Historian: (585) 589-4174
Treasurer’s Office: (585) 589-5353
• Veteran’s Services: (585) 589-3219
(Editor’s Note: No appointment is needed for early voting at the Board of Elections.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2020 at 8:39 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library in Albion has been using its sign to encourage people to fill out the Census.
Orleans County residents continue to have a low response rate to filling out the federal Census. The county, as of Thursday, had a 50.5 percent response rate. That is below the state response rate of 56.8 percent and the national rate of 61.5 percent.
The county’s response rate is among the worst in Western New York. The rates for other WNY counties include:
Erie, 66.4
Monroe, 63.8
Genesee, 61.0
Livingston, 59.9
Chautauqua, 55.0
Wyoming, 54.6
Orleans, 50.5
Cattaraugus, 49.7
Allegany, 45.7
Among Orleans County towns, Yates has the lowest response rate at 37.0 percent while Clarendon has the highest at 63.7 percent.
Clarendon, 63.7
Barre, 61.5
Shelby, 59.3
Ridgeway, 52.6
Gaines, 51.9
Murray, 51.9
Albion, 47.3
Kendall, 45.1
Carlton, 39.7
Yates, 37.0
The Orleans County response rate has increased about 2 percent in the past month. It was 48.8 percent on May 17.
In 2010, Orleans had a 66.8 percent response to the Census, which is required to be filled out by law every 10 years.
Click here to see a map on the Census Bureau showing the response rates of towns, counties and states.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2020 at 11:18 am
Park Strategies gives Orleans ‘a louder voice’ with state and federal governments
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has renewed a contract with a lobbyist at $90,000 a year.
Park Strategies will be paid $5,000 a month ($60,000 a year) for its assistance with state government affairs and $2,500 a month ($30,000 a year) for its lobbying efforts with the federal government on behalf of the county.
The County Legislature renewed the contract during its May 27 meeting.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said Park Strategies has been effective in helping the county secure state and federal aid, and also sets up important meetings with county officials and representatives from the state and federal governments.
“We may be a little county but they have given us a louder voice,” Johnson said Park Strategies.
She said the firm will be advocating on behalf of the county for the state and federal governments to maintain reimbursements and other funding during an economic downtown when the county budget will be stressed.
A top priority for Park will be assisting the county with obtaining state or federal assistance to expand broadband internet in the county, especially in rural areas. The lack of high-speed internet puts businesses, students and residents at a disadvantage.
Businesses often can’t file reports or download information without high-speed internet. Students also often can’t do research or their homework with broadband.
“We are going to see this through,” Johnson said about broadband.
This will be the sixth year the county has contracted with Park Strategies. County officials believe the relationship has benefitted residents. Park helped make the county’s case for canal bridges to be repaired. The state is spending about $10.7 million on seven bridges.
The state also has repaved portions of the Lake Ontario State Parkway, committed to dredging harbors on Lake Ontario and also allocated funds to protect lakeshore properties from flooding.
The state has also approved more than $15 million in REDI projects in Orleans County, to protect and strengthen infrastructure and public assets.
Johnson said Park Strategies sends a weekly report, reviewing state and federal legislation that could have an impact on the county.
“We don’t view this as an extra,” Johnson said about retaining Park. “We view this as necessary for state aid and grants. They are worth their weight in gold.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2020 at 10:05 am
ALBION – There were 30 Orleans County residents who cast ballots in early voting over the weekend, with 20 on Saturday and 10 on Sunday, according to the County Board of Elections.
Orleans County is having nine days of early voting at the County Administration Building on Route 31 in Albion.
There are primaries at the local level (Orleans County Clerk, Republican Committees in Murray and Ridgeway), and federal positions (special election for NY-27th and Republican Primary for NY-27th) and the Democratic Presidential primary.
The County Board of Elections encourages voters to wear a mask for early voting.
The early voting schedule today through Sunday includes:
