File photo by Tom Rivers: Workers from Sole Contracting in Delaware install solar panel in early February 2019 by the Albion sewer plant on Densmore Street. The solar project included 3,888 solar panels.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2021 at 4:37 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is asking state officials to establish solar panel recycling regulations.
The County Legislature last week passed a resolution that stated there is a rise in the use of solar panels, which has led to an accumulation of waste at the end of the life of the panels.
The solar panels contain recyclable aluminum, glass and plastic, as well as photovoltaic cells, which contain various valuable materials and rare metals, legislators said.
“Proper recycling of the solar panels will ensure that these materials and metals are able to be reused, but also ensures that the panels do not prematurely enter the waste stream where they can have potential negative environmental effects,” county legislators stated in their resolution.
Legislators are urging the state to develop “a convenient, safe and environmentally sound system for the recycling of photovoltaic modules, the minimization of hazard waste, and the recovery of commercially valuable materials.”
The responsibility for the reduction of solar panels in the waste stream should be shared among all stakeholders, with manufacturers financing the takeback and recycling system, county legislators said.
The county said the State Legislature should develop regulations utilizing the state’s own Sustainable Materials Management Model (so that the social, economic and environmental consequences of the choices made today do not adversely impact future generations.
The solar panel recycling regulations also should consistent for all counties in the state, the County Legislature said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2021 at 2:19 pm
State paying for 17,600 masks for Orleans County
ALBION – Orleans County residents can pick up free KN95 masks at three locations on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Firefighters and EMTs will be handing out the masks at the following locations:
Murray Joint Fire District Station 1 (7 Thomas St, Holley)
County Administration Building (14016 Rt 31, Albion)
Ridgeway Fire Company Station 1 (11392 Ridge Rd, Medina)
The state is paying for 17,600 of the masks to be distributed in the county. Until supplies are depleted, the KN95 masks will also be available to the public during normal county business hours at the County Clerks Office, County Admin Building, Veterans Office, Public Safety Building, and Treasurer’s Office.
Some of the masks are going to local municipalities for essential workers and first responders. Any business in the county in need of the masks should call the county Emergency Management Officer at (585) 589-4414.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2021 at 12:31 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has doubled the size of a medical scholarship, from $36,000 to $72,000 over four years.
The county started offering the scholarship in 1966 to entice young physicians to work as doctors in the county.
The Orleans County Medical Scholarship Board recommended the scholarship be increased due to the increased costs involved in medical training.
“The Orleans County Legislature wishes to ensure that Orleans County is meeting the needs of our residents by securing physicians for our future health care needs,” the Legislature said last week in voting to increase the scholarship.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2021 at 10:05 am
Orleans shows largest percentage decline in WNY in 2020 Census count
Photos by Tom Rivers – Albion Correctional Facility looms large at the end of Washington Street in Albion. The site is the largest women’s prison in the state. In 2020, Albion Correctional had 759 female inmates out of the 1,315 women incarcerated in the state prisons.
When the Census population counts came out in mid-August, the data showed Orleans County had the largest percentage decline in Western New York.
Countywide the population went down 5.9 percent, or by 2,540 people from 42,883 in 2010 to 40,343 in 2020.
Among the 10 towns in the county, Albion had the biggest percentage loss, down 829 residents or a 9.8 percent drop – from 8,468 in 2010 to 7,639 in 2020.
The two state prisons are in the town of Albion and there has been much news attention about the shrinking inmate population with bail reform and a push to reduce the inmate population due to Covid-19 concerns.
Orleans Hub submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in August.
Today we were given answers to our questions about how the local and state-wide inmate population changed from 2010 to 2020.
The number of inmates is down at the two prisons, but not at the rate experienced statewide among the incarcerated population.
Statewide the number of inmates declined 39.9 percent from 2010 to 2020, down by 22,824 from 57,229 in 2010 to 34,405 in 2020.
The inmate population saw its biggest decline from 2019 to 2020, decreasing by 22.3 percent in one year, or by 9,871 inmates – from 44,276 to 34,405.
State-wide, here is how the inmate population changed each year from 2010 to 2020:
2010 – 57,229
2011 – 55,979, down 1,250 or 2.2%
2012 – 54,865, down 1,114 or 2.0%
2013 – 54,142, down 723 or 1.3%
2014 – 53,103, down 1,039 or 1.9%
2015 – 52,344, down 759 or 1.4%
2016 – 51,466, down 878 or 1.7%
2017 – 50,271, down 1,195 or 2.3%
2018 – 47,459, down 2,812 or 5.6%
2019 – 44,276, down 3,183 or 6.7%
2020 – 34,405, down 9,871 or 22.3%
The Orleans Correctional Facility is lined with a razor-wire fence. The facility was built on Gaines Basin Road about four decades ago.
The two local state prisons include the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison, and Orleans Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison for men.
Albion Correctional is down 147 inmates over the 10 years from 906 to 759, a 16.2 percent decline. Orleans Correctional is down 212 inmates in the 10 years from 985 to 773, a 21.5 percent drop.
The total decline of 359 inmates at the two prisons accounts for 14.1 percent of the county’s 2,540-resident reduction in the 10 years.
The data from the Census Bureau shows a population drop in nearly every Orleans County municipality. Yates was the only municipality to avoid a loss in residents, but just barely. The town grew by 8 people or by 0.3 percent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2021 at 10:40 am
The unemployment rate in Orleans County was at a pandemic low in November – 3.7 percent.
The unemployment rate was down from 5.7 percent in November 2020 in Orleans County. The number employed in Orleans is up from 16,200 in November 2020 to 16,300 last month, while the number unemployed has dropped from 1,000 to 600 in the same 12 months.
State-wide the unemployment rate has dropped from 8.3 percent in November 2020 to 5.5 percent in November 2021.
Orleans County hit an unemployment high of 16.8 percent in April 2020, when many businesses were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The rate has been trending down most of the year in Orleans County from 7.3% in January, 7.6% in February, 7.1% in March, 5.6% in April, 5.1% in May, 5.5% in June, 5.7% in July, 5.6% in August, 4.2% in September, 4.1% in October and 3.7% in November.
Among the metro areas, New York City has the highest unemployment rate at 8.0 percent, while Ithaca is the lowest at 2.9 percent.
The rate among the rural GLOW counties include Genesee, 3.3 percent; Livingston, 3.1 percent; Orleans, 3.7 percent; and Wyoming, 3.6 percent.
Provided photos: Orleans County Jail Sgt. Kevin Kaderli, center, is recognized for a 36-year career by Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Staff Reports Posted 23 December 2021 at 11:02 am
ALBION – Orleans County Jail Sgt. Kevin Kaderli retired from the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 9 after 36 years, working his entire career on the overnight midnight shift.
Local Union 2966 held a ceremony at the Orleans County Jail events room for Kaderli on Dec. 9. Many current and retired employees attended the event to recognize Kaderli. He was presented a plaque from Sheriff Chris Bourke and Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson.
Local 2966 provided him a 36-year veteran plaque also and $360 check for $10 for every year he was a member of the union. Kaderli added a second plaque to the 25-year Hall of Fame Wall at the jail honoring all employees with over 25 years of service to Orleans County. He joins nine others that have reached that milestone in their career.
Kevin Kaderli adds his plaque to the 25-year wall. He joins nine others who reached that milestone.
Kaderli, a Navy veteran, said he will find plenty to do in his retirement by golfing more and tending to yard work on his many acres of land. He is an avid sports fan who follows the LA Lakers, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Bisons, New York Yankees, Rochester Americans and the Penn State Nittany Lions. He will spend more time with his significant other Laura and her children and grandchild.
Lt. Michael Christopher said it is difficult to work that many years in a jail setting.
“Thirty-six years of dealing with people that society does not want on the streets packed into one small building, 24/7,” Christopher said.
Kaderli worked under six different sheriffs as his boss, starting with Dave Green. More than two dozen Sheriff’s Office employees from the jail and road division were not even born yet when Kaderli started.
Kaderli has been through the times when the jail had over 100 inmates, with many sleeping on the floor or in little boats due to overcrowding. Then with the new bail reform and Covid-19, the jail population was down to as few as 13 inmates. Most inmates had a whole jail block to themselves.
When Kaderli started, Orleans County housed some of Nassau County inmates due to that county’s overcrowding. Then he experienced a bigger percentage of the jail population be immigration and federal inmates. Federal inmates’ housing was discontinued for many years until 2021 to which 40% of the jail population in now US. Marshal detainees.
Kaderli also worked at the jail when the Sheriff’s Office was located across the street at Cuneen Hall on Platt Street. It moved to the Public Safety Building in the late 1990s. The 911 dispatch center also was moved twice inside the jail to its current location at the Public Safety Building.
Three other jail employees also were recently recognized for 25 years of service: Kim Zambito, Dave Allen and Teddy Howard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2021 at 9:24 am
ALBION – Orleans County will see its revenue from Batavia Downs Gaming go up significantly this year with the race track and its 879 video lottery terminals having a record year.
Orleans was getting about $35,000 eight years ago as a part owner of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. That was money from OTB betting surcharges and profits from the gaming facility.
That was up to $51,822 in 2019 and is on pace for $85,000 this year, said Ed Morgan, the county’s representative on the WROTB board of directors.
“It is a banner year,” Morgan told county legislators on Monday.
The gaming floor has generated $60,656,682 during the 11 months so far this year. That doesn’t include December. That is already ahead of the previous record high in revenue for a 12-month period – $60,087,894 from April 1, 2019 to March 30, 2020.
The net revenue has averaged $6 million a month at Batavia Downs Gaming since April, a pace for $72 million over 12 months.
The profit is divvied up with 39 percent to state education, 10 percent to gaming and administration, 41 percent to the operator (WROTB), 8.75 percent to horse racing purses and 1.25 percent to horse breeders.
The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. owns and operates Batavia Downs as well as OTB branches. There are 15 counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo that make up WROTB, and they split revenue based on their population. Orleans receives about 1.5 percent of the total. Erie County, the largest county by population, gets 24.5 percent.
WROTB projected $61,260 for Orleans County in 2021, but passed that through the first three quarters of the year with payments at $63,027.
Batavia Downs was shut down about five months in 2020 due to Covid restrictions and then operated a reduced capacity for many months until July 2021 when the full gaming floor was reopened.
Morgan said Batavia Downs Gaming experienced a surge in revenue when the Covid restrictions were eased.
“People just wanted to be out,” he said.
WROTB also bought a hotel next to the race track track/gaming facility and has offered “stay and play” promotions that have increased the occupancy rate from 60 percent to 85 to 92 percent on weekends, Morgan said.
“There has been a big increase in hotel occupancy, and they use the gaming floor,” he said. “We believe that has made a huge factor in the third quarter.”
A summer concert series at Batavia Downs also has brought many people to the gaming floor and race track, Morgan said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2021 at 8:49 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: COVA Ambulance heads out for a call in November 2020.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature in early 2022 is expected to form a task force to find solutions to an EMS system that is in crisis locally, with too few responders and not enough ambulances, often resulting in delayed responses.
County Legislator Skip Draper said a draft of members of the task force will be put together “in the next few weeks.” Those members will represent a cross-section of stakeholders, likely including officials from ambulance providers, fire departments, the Emergency Management Office, and town, village and county governments.
Draper said the larger group on the task force may be divided into smaller groups to look closely at all the issues.
The local government leaders discussed the issue during the Oct. 26 meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities.
The county’s Emergency Management Office reviewed recent data showing increased dropped calls and slower responses, especially in eastern and central Orleans.
The western end of the county, which is primarily served by the Medina Fire Department with career firefighters, isn’t plagued by the issues.
Justin Niederhofer, deputy director of Emergency Management Office in Orleans County, said many of the paramedic and EMT positions require extensive training, but don’t pay very well with little fringe benefits. The pay isn’t much better than working in fast food or minimum wage jobs, without the training and responsibilities.
The shortage of responders has long been a concern among local officials, but in recent months the response times have grown longer with more dropped calls in central and eastern Orleans, Niederhofer said at the meeting.
The ambulance providers are fiscally challenged with low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and many patients who keep the insurance checks rather than turning them to the ambulance companies, Niederhofer said. There are also many patients without insurance resulting in little revenue for COVA, Monroe Ambulance and other providers.
The new task force will look for ways to strengthen the local EMS, and one solution may include creating some paid positions through the county government to help improve response times and service to residents in a health crisis. Some other counties have added ambulances and staff to supplement services and fill gaps in EMS coverage.
“There are 12 broken pieces to the puzzle,” Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director, said at the Oct. 26 meeting.
Graduation celebrated at new conference center at Bent’s Opera House
Photos courtesy of Kelly Kiebala: The new graduates of Leadership Orleans are shown together after completing the program that explored many aspects of life in Orleans County.
Press Release, Leadership Orleans
MEDINA – The Leadership Orleans Class of 2021 celebrated its graduation at Bent’s Opera House in Medina on Dec. 9.
The group of 24 is the fourth class to complete the program. They were recognized for completion of the program, which usually runs January through December, but in 2021 was condensed to run from April through December out of an abundance of caution due to the pandemic in the early part of the year.
In addition to the opening and closing retreats, the class participated in 10 “Day Sessions” covering the following themes, with learning outcomes identified for each: Legislative Affairs, Leadership Challenge, Community Health, Tourism & Recreation, Business & Culture, Economic & Workforce Development, Agribusiness, Volunteerism, Education, and Simulated Society.
Catherine Holland and Benjamin McPherson were picked by the class to be speakers for the ceremony.
The Class of 2021 includes the following leaders in our community:
Rebecca Alexander – Owner, Dubby’s Wood Fired
Richard Allis Jr. – Pastor, Light of Victory Church
Christine Ranallo – Manager, Cobblestone Country Fed. Credit Union
Robert Riemer – Chief Deputy, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
Elissa Smith – Elementary Principal, Lyndonville Central School District
Sean Snook – Chief Operating Officer, Claims Recovery Financial Services
Scott Wilson – Superintendent, Orleans County Jail
In addition to recognizing all graduates, during the ceremony several awards were presented. Each year, the current class votes on two awards: First Impression – the site they visited that made the most significant impression on the group, and Presenter of the Year – the individual who was part of one of the day sessions and whose presentation was the most impactful.
Roger Hungerford, developer of the renovated Bent’s Opera House, addresses the class after being recognized as a distinguished leader in the community.
This year’s award winners were Orleans/Niagara BOCES Medina CTE Campus Center for “First Impression” and Gabrielle Barone with the Orleans Economic Development Agency for “Presenter of the Year.”
The LO class also votes on a speaker(s) to offer Class Comments during Graduation each year, and this year’s speakers were Catherine Holland and Benjamin McPherson. Class members Mourad Attar and Samantha Covis were acknowledged for their top performances in 2021 class challenges, as well.
Two individuals were recognized with special awards for their engagement and outstanding leadership in the community and unique roles in supporting the continued success of the Leadership Orleans program: Ken DeRoller as Alumnus of the Year and Roger Hungerford as Distinguished Leader. Remarks on behalf of Orleans County were offered by John C. Welch, Jr., Orleans County Administrative Officer.
Leadership Orleans Program Director, Skip Helfrich, along with Steering Committee Chair Kelly Kiebala and Committee Member Charlie Nesbitt presented the awards and congratulated 2021 LO Class members on their graduation.
Additional Steering Committee members include Delano Alvarez, Baxter Healthcare; Ellen Eaton, Takeform; Nadine Hanlon, Orleans County Clerk; Jerod Thurber, CommonaliTEES, LLC; Kathleen “Kitty” Maerten, Retired Superintendent, Alexander CSD; Laura Olinger, Bentley Bros.; Paul Pettit, Genesee & Orleans Counties Public Health Director; Barbara Shine, retired, GCC; Lisa Tombari, Takeform; and Patrick Weissend, Tompkins Bank of Castile.
The Leadership Orleans 2021 program was made possible with financial support from the County of Orleans and Talis Equity, as well as the Albion Rotary Club, APEX Clean Energy, Baxter Healthcare, Bentley Brothers, Brigden Memorials, Brighton Securities, Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Claims Recovery Financial Services, Farm Credit East ACA, Friends of Steve Hawley, Holley Rotary Club, Kast Farms, Keeler Construction/Barre Stone Products, Lyndonville Area Foundation, Medina Area Partnership, Medina Sandstone Trust, Orleans County EDA, Takeform Architectural Graphics, Watson Enterprises and Western New York Energy. Special thanks to Austin Carpenter of Concepts & Creations for the awards and Lynne Menz of Lynne Menz Designs for creative design.
The 2022 Leadership Orleans program is excited to kick off in January with a full complement of 26 individuals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 December 2021 at 12:17 pm
Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps helped push many projects
Provided photo: Orleans County legislators John DeFilipps, left, and Ken DeRoller, far right, were presented with a State Senate proclamation on Monday evening during a retirement reception in their honor. State Assembly members Steve Hawley, second from left, and Mike Norris, second from right, joined in recognizing the two county legislators. State Sen. Robert Ortt is in center.
ALBION – Two Orleans County legislators who joined the Legislature together eight years ago attended their final meeting as legislators on Monday.
Ken DeRoller of Kendall and John DeFilipps of Clarendon were both praised for their high-energy in pushing through many projects.
“These two legislators committed themselves full-time to the position,” said Lynne Johnson, County Legislature chairwoman. “You have served with dedication and commitment.”
The two were presented with plaques from the county for their service on the Legislature. State Sen. Robert Ortt also presented both with framed proclamations from the State Senate.
DeRoller and DeFilipps both opted to retire rather than seek re-election. DeRoller’s spot in January will be filled by John Fitzak of Carlton and Ed Morgan will take DeFilipps’ place on the seven-member board.
DeFilipps said he was grateful for the many friendships he made around the county in his role as legislator.
“I met a lot of good people, been to places I probably wouldn’t have gone,” he said during Monday’s Legislature meeting.
DeRoller sees progress on many fronts for the county.
He cited the $17 million transformation of the Holley High School, which is now 41 apartments and the Holley village officials. That project is a major improvement at one of the gateways into Orleans County along Route 31.
New homes are being built as part of the Cottages at Troutburg, a former Salvation Army camp in Kendall.
DeRoller was on the committees that pushing for waterfront revitalization plans for the Lake Ontario lakeshore towns of Kendall, Carlton and Yates. He also pushed for the waterfront revitalization plan for the Erie Canal communities.
DeRoller said those plans have identified many projects and initiatives to better utilize that waterfront property for residential, recreational and business development.
“This will give us some opportunities for the future,” DeRoller said about the plans.
He also noted major projects to better withstand high Lake Ontario water levels, projects identified by local and state leaders for Yates, Carlton and Kendall. The shoreline is now better protected to fight flooding, DeRoller said, and the Oak Orchard and Johnson Creek harbors have been dredged to allow better passage for boaters.
He also thanked the team of county officials for moving forward with broadband expansion that will close the internet gaps in Orleans, a project that has been about a decade in the works.
He also praised a digital literacy initiative led by the Orleans County United Way over the next five years to equip residents to use technology. And he cited the Cooperative Extension for its push to create a robotics garage at Fairgrounds, teaching students to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“It’s been a pleasurable trip,” DeRoller said. “The journey has been challenging and rewarding.”
He offered a “special thanks” to all of the county employees, legislative clerks and the staff at the Orleans Economic Development Agency. DeRoller and DeFilipps both have served on the agency’s board of directors.
“Together we achieve more,” DeRoller said. “Thanks for listening. It’s been a pleasure.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 December 2021 at 9:12 am
The Orleans Digital Literacy initiative has partnered with all the local libraries in Orleans County as meeting space for members of the community to meet tech mentors and receive tech help, according to Kathryn Leach from Cornell Cooperative Extension, who is coordinating the Digital Literacy program.
Members of the public can stop by with any tech questions, meet mentors and schedule tech mentoring. There will also be information guides which people can take home. An example includes tips on what to do if a cell phone or computer isn’t working well, and tips on how families can monitor their children’s technology use and keep their kids safe.
Participating are our tech mentors from Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Orleans County Career Center, Orleans County Adult Learning Services, Orleans County Office of the Aging and Hoag Library.
The tech mentoring educational program is administered by the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Leach will be at all the events. The program is funded by a grant obtained by United Way of Orleans County and executive director Dean Bellack will also attend.
The schedule of tech help events is as follows for January:
Saturday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
Monday, Jan. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library in Lyndonville.
Thursday, Jan. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.
Saturday, Jan. 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.
In February, dates are:
Saturday, Feb. 5 from 5 to 11 a.m. at Yates Community Library.
Monday Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yates Community Library.
Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lee Whedon-Memorial Library in Medina.
Saturday, Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library in Albion.
Saturday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hoag Library in Albion.
Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Community Free Library in Holley.
Saturday, Feb. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Community Free Library in Holley.
These events at local libraries will be a chance to meet people and spread the word about the tech mentoring services being provided through Cornell Cooperative Extension and United Way of Orleans County.
Photo and information courtesy of Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
ALBION – During the month of November deputies from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office participated in “No Shave November,” which allows for the deputies to bend department policy and grow facial hair in lieu of charitable donation.
This year the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association donated $500 to Orleans County Child and Family Services. The donation will be used to purchase Christmas presents for local children. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association would like to thank Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Undersheriff Jeffrey Gifaldi and Chief Deputy Rob Riemer for allowing the deputies to participate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2021 at 6:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse is decorated for the holidays with wreaths up on the dome and Christmas trees on the top steps facing East State Street.
The moon looms in the sky above the courthouse this evening. The site recently was upgraded with new steps, a sidewalk and exterior lighting. The courthouse was built in 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Christmas trees are new addition to the courthouse this holiday season.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2021 at 12:15 pm
Legislator Allport opposes 1.9% tax increase, saying growth in sales tax gives county a cushion
Photos by Tom Rivers: Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said the budget keeps the county moving forward, addressing many needs while maintaining services. She worries about possible state cuts in the future that would strain the county budget. Jack Welch, left, is the chief administrative officer.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has passed a $78 million budget that takes on more capital projects and restores some previously eliminated positions while staying under the tax cap.
The budget increases taxes by 1.9 percent and increases the tax rate from $9.98 to $10.09 per $1,000 of assessed property.
County Legislator Don Allport
One legislator, Don Allport of Gaines, opposed the spending plan because he said the county has collected about $1 million more than expected in sales tax this year and that increase could easily wipe out the $347,503 tax levy increase.
He said residents are feeling a financial pinch from inflation. That is particularly difficult for people on fixed incomes who are paying more for gas, fuel and other services.
He said the “astronomical” housing sales in the past year will likely result in higher property assessments – and tax bills.
“I think it’s critical we have a 0 percent increase,” Allport said during the budget vote on Dec. 2. “That’s why I’m voting against this.”
Other legislators said they are concerned the state could cut back reimbursements to the county. During the height of the pandemic the state cut counties by 20 percent, a reduction that later adjusted to a 5 percent cut.
The state is facing big increases in Medicaid and education funding that will strain the state budget, said County Legislator Ken DeRoller. He worries the state will try to balance its budget by cutting reimbursements to local governments.
Legislator John DeFilipps said county leaders cut about $9 million from the budget as part of the process in putting the spending plan together.
“This is a fair budget,” he said. “It addresses put-off projects. We stepped up in repairs.”
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson praised Jack Welch, the county budget officer, and Kim DeFrank, the county treasurer, for their work with the budget.
“You put forth an amazing budget and I’m proud to support it,” Johnson said.
Although sales tax is up, Johnson said some other revenue is down or uncertain.
She also commended the department heads for their budget proposals.
“You didn’t come in with a Dear Santa letter,” she said. “You came to us with your actual needs.”
Welch went over the budget during a hearing last week. He highlighted the county will add five positions that will be funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money including a public safety dispatcher, criminal investigator, building maintenance worker, deputy director of computer services and senior computer specialist.
About $2.20 of the $10.09 rate is support for towns and villages in the county, including prosecution of vehicle and traffic offenses, AIM-related payments, a sales tax distribution of $1,366,671 and $2,050,000 in community college chargebacks.
SALES TAX DIVERSION – Even though the sales tax is up significantly, mainly due to taxes collected on line sales, some of that is diverted by the state. The state last year started requiring the county to pay $290,000 of its sales tax in AIM payments to towns and villages that was paid by state. The state also takes $190,274 in the county sales tax and diverts it to “financially distressed health facilities” with no guarantee it will be used for that purpose, Welch said.
CAPITAL PROJECTS – The county is planning $4,470,000 in capital projects, which is up about $2 million from the $2,577,000 in 2021. Some of the projects for 2022 will be paid from federal ARPA including $630,000 in work on deferred maintenance projects, $325,000 for a fiber loop to increase connectivity among county’s computer/IT network, and $170,000 for work on the county’s fuel farm on West Academy Street by the DPW.
State CHIPS funding will pay $1,285,000 for highway reconstruction with $125,000 in local funds going to culvert and bridge repairs, $125,000 to patch and seal county roads, and $200,000 in local funds for general repairs to the 50-year-old county jail. Federal and state funds will also pay $1.6 million for preventive maintenance on three bridges.
AGENCY FUNDING – For the third year the budget keeps the same level of funding for several agencies that provide services in the community: Cornell Cooperative Extension, $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency, $190,000; Soil & Water Conservation District, $92,500; four public libraries, $10,000 combined; Sportsmen’s Federation, $4,000; and Geneses-Orleans Regional Arts Council, $3,000. The Cobblestone Museum is in the budget as a line item but gets no county support.
MANDATES – The county is getting some relief in the nine mandated programs from the state, which consume 86 percent of the tax levy. The county’s Medicaid cost is down from $8,121,776 to $7,311,550 with the federal government picking up more of the cost. The county’s pension contribution also is down due to a better-performing stock market. The county’s contribution will go from $3,054,489 to $2,475,335.
Other mandated expenses with the 2021 budget numbers in parentheses include: Public Assistance/Safety Net, $1,787,937 ($1,802,337); Child Welfare/Protection, $1,528,322 ($1,336,399); Special Education, $983,529 ($971,931); Probation, $982,115 ($759,299); Indigent Defense, $511,307 ($536,053); Youth Detention, $302,650 ($302,650); and Early Intervention, $243,833 ($204,688).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2021 at 2:51 pm
Photos and information courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Undersheriff Jeff Gifaldi, left, and deputy James White join in “Shop with a Cop” at Walmart in Albion.
The Sheriff’s Office and the Albion and Lyndonville Police Departments joined with the Orleans County Office of Child and Family Services in the outing.
Investigator Shannon Brett and corrections officer Dawn Basinait were part of the Sheriff’s Office that escorted kids through the Walmart store, assisting them with picking out items that they would like to help their families or be that could be used a gift for a family member.
Law enforcement encouraged the kids to think of others when picking out the items to buy. Walmart provided a $300 gift card to each of the ten families and some law enforcement members contributed their own money if they were a little short so all family members could receive a gift.
Walmart also provided an additional $1,000 in $50 gift cards to the law enforcement members to offer to shoppers in the store to make the holiday season a little better, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.
“I would personally like to thank Walmart on behalf of all law enforcement members, Orleans County Child and Family Services and the families that took part in this year’s event,” Bourke said.
ALBION – Orleans County will see its revenue from Batavia Downs Gaming go up significantly this year with the race track and its 879 video lottery terminals having a record year.
