ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature extended the motel tax for another three years. The “occupancy tax” is an additional 4 percent tax at motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges and vacation rentals.

The revenue is used to support the county’s tourism department. The revenue from the motel tax has been growing in recent years, and the county expects more growth with a new hotel coming to Medina.

The county’s budgeted amount for the motel tax has grown from $27,500 in 2015, $33,000 in 2016, $39,000 in 2017 to $42,000 tentatively budgeted for 2018.

The county started a 4 percent tax on lodging in 2004. The extension lasts until Dec. 31, 2020.

BriMark Builders has proposed a new 58-room hotel, Cobblestone Inn and Suites, on Maple Ridge Road in Medina, next to Pride Pak and almost across the street from Genesee Community College. County officials expect the hotel to open late in 2018.

In other action during Wednesday’s meeting, the Legislature:

• Approved purchasing Taser equipment for six probation officers from Axon Enterprises Inc. The five-year agreement includes $1,762 the first year and $2,232 annually in years two through five for a total contract of $10,690 over five years.

• Approved a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for $5,069 for matching funds to purchase bullet-proof vests for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

• Approved an agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and Voiance Language Services of Tucson, AR. The company will provide over-the-phone translation and interpretation services at 75 cents per minute on an as needed basis for three years.

• Authorized using a $1,990 grant for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase child safety seats from the Evenflo Company.

• Authorized Dale Banker, director of the Emergency Management Office, to spend $186,099 in a State Homeland Security Grant from 2016 for the following: $161,358 for Harris Radio 800 MHz radio system equipment and software upgrades to Finger Lakes Communications; $11,550 for installation, programming and testing of both AES Encryption and Phase 2 TDMA to Radio Technologies; and $13,191 for annual hardware and software maintenance agreement at the Emergency Management Office.

• Authorized filling the vacant full-time director position for Weights and Measures.

• Appointed the following to two-year terms on the Oak Orchard Watershed Board: Ed Morgan, the chairman from the Soil and Water Conservation District; Guy Smith of Albion; Peter Smith of Albion; and Jon Peglow of Barre.

• Appointed the following to the County Planning Board: Kevin Johnson of Clarendon, Russell Bosch of Clarendon (alternate), Andrew Kludt of Kendall, Monica Seeler of Holley (alternate), Gary Daum of Yates and Ed Urbanik of Yates (alternate).

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ALBION – Joanne Best was appointed today to be Orleans County’s next public defender.

Best of Clarendon will succeed Sanford Church, who is leaving the position to serve as the next county judge. Church has been the public defender for about two decades.

Best, who has a law office in Brockport, worked as an assistant public defender under Church.

She was appointed to a two-year term, effective Jan. 1, at an annual salary of $80,662.

John DeFilipps, the Legislature chairman, congratulated Best on the appointment and noted she will be the first woman to serve as the county’s public defender, representing low-income residents accused of crimes.

The office represents indigent defendants in Orleans County Court, thirteen local Justice Courts, and the New York State Parole System.

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ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted today to raise the eligibility levels for disabled residents to qualify for reductions on their county taxes.

The county in 2007 passed a local law that capped the income levels at $11,399 for disabled residents to receive an exemption. (At $10,500 to $11,399 in annual income, a disabled resident was receiving a 5 percent discount on county taxes.)

Residents, in the amended law, can now have incomes up to $23,899 and receive a 5 percent exemption on their county taxes.

The previous law gave disabled residents a 50 percent discount on their taxes if their income was $3,000 or less annually. Disabled residents can now have incomes up to $15,500 annually and qualify for the 50 percent reduction.

The county has a sliding scale exemption rate, ranging from 50 percent off to 5 percent.

Here is the new schedule:

Annual Income             Tax Exemption

$15,500 or less              50%

$15,500.01-$16,499.99  45%

$16,500-$17,499.99       40%

$17,500-$18,499.99       35%

$18,500-$19,399.99       30%

$19,400-$20,299.99       25%

$20,300-$21,299.99       20%

$21,200-$22,099.99       15%

$22,100-$22,999.99       10%

$23,000-$23,899.99       5%

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Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Workers from LeFrois Builders are shown on Tuesday on the roof of the new transportation facility in Albion for the Regional Transit Service.

The new $4 million facility is expected to ready in mid-2018. The 13,000-square-foot is located behind the Orleans County Highway Department on West Academy Street.

RTS has run a public transportation service in Orleans County since 2003. It has six buses in the county, and they are parked outside by the County Highway Department on West Academy Street.

The new facility will allow the buses to be parked inside. The building will include eight indoor bus bays, three bus maintenance bays, a vehicle wash bay, storage for parts and materials, administrative office space, a break room with kitchenette, and designated parking.

Federal aid funneled to the state will pay 80 percent or about $3.2 million of the cost, while the state pays 10 percent and RTS pays the other 10 percent, Bill Carpenter, CEO of RTS, said during a June ground-breaking for the project.

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Changes will make Orleans County’s radio interoperable with Genesee’s

Press Release, Orleans County and Doherty Communications

ALBION – Contractors and programmers have been upgrading Orleans County’s multi-million dollar public safety/public service radio system for approximately six weeks.

One of the most noticeable results for county residents is the loss of some of the police channels to scanner listeners.

“While it was not the principal reason for the upgrades, one result is that four additional talk groups have been encrypted, which means that any radio receiving the signal will hear nothing if it doesn’t have the de-cryption key,” said Kevin Doherty, whose local company manages the Radio and the 911 systems under contract to the county. “That includes actual radio system users. If a public safety radio isn’t programmed with the key, the affected talk group is silent for that user.”

Doherty added that the main reason for the hardware, software and programming changes is to integrate the Orleans County system with Genesee County’s, which is also manufactured and installed by Harris Communications.

“The key word is inter-operability, that is, making it as easy as practical for radio users from different agencies and now different counties to talk to each other,” he said.

Federal grant guidelines are moving users like Orleans County to a common platform, one which encrypts police communications.

“After the updates, we had encryption on the system and took a few of the existing talk groups out of the scannable mode,” Doherty said. “Scanner listeners can still hear police dispatches, as well as fire and ambulance transmissions, highway and OTS.”

Grant guidelines also call for reducing the number of 911 and dispatch centers, which Orleans County did in the early 1990’s, consolidating Medina’s 911 answering point into the county’s. Orleans County was also an early adopter of inter-operability within the county when the first, EF Johnson trunking radio system was installed at about the same time.

Every radio user had the opportunity to connect with every other user through template programming. Now, the county will permanently be in a network with Genesee County to provide the same interoperable functions. Work is being performed through a grant received by Genesee County from New York State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and is anticipated to be completed by year’s end. Sharing those resources will result in better coverage of fringe zones in each county, Doherty said.

Further plans are in process for a similar result through different technologies with Monroe County. Those changes, when adopted, are projected to improve radio system connectivity in the Village of Holley and Orleans County’s east side.

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The unemployment rate in Orleans County for October was 5.2 percent, which was slightly higher than the 5.1 percent in October 2016, according to data from the New York State Department of Labor.

The DOL reports that there were 16,700 working in Orleans in both October 2016 and 2017. There were also 900 people on unemployment during that time. (The DOL rounds its numbers to the nearest hundred in its reports.)

While the unemployment rate in Orleans slightly increased, the rate dropped in New York State from 4.8 to 4.6 percent. Nationally, the rate fell from 4.7 percent in October 2016 to 3.9 percent last month, according to the Department of Labor.

The counties in New York with the lowest unemployment rates include Columbia County at 3.4 percent, Saratoga at 3.7 and Yates at 3.8.

Bronx has the highest rate at 6.6 percent, followed by St. Lawrence at 5.7, Oswego at 5.6 and Allegany at 5.5.

The other local GLOW counties include Genesee at 4.3 percent, Livingston at 4.5 percent, and Wyoming at 4.4 percent.

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ALBION – The tentative budget for Orleans County in 2018 has been filed and shows a 2.5 percent increase in taxes.

The tax levy, what the county collects in taxes, would increase by $421,913, from $16,728,410 to $17,150,323.

The tax rate would increase by 19 cents or 1.9 percent to $10.05 per $1,000 of assessed property, according to the budget submitted by Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer.

The budget is within the state-imposed property tax cap because the county has some carryover from prior years when it was below the cap level. The levy since 2014 has grown a collective 4.31 percent, or an average of 1.08 percent annually, Nesbitt said.

The tentative budget proposes $69,804,984 in spending, which is up 6.4 percent or by $4,190,360. The biggest change in expenditures is the $3,646,000 in state- and federal-funded bridge projects in 2018. That is up from $152,000 in 2017, for a difference of $3,494,000.

The budget benefits from a more “robust” local economy, Nesbitt said in his budget message. Home sale prices have increased, and sales tax revenue is up in 2017, with an additional $610,000 in sales tax budgeted for 2018.

Some burdens on the budget include:

• A $230,000 loss in revenue from the Seneca Nation, which is in a dispute with the State of New York over local and state gambling payments.

• An additional $273,618 for jail operations, mainly with medical and mental health costs, due to the opioid epidemic.

• An extra $202,845 in Medicaid ($8,211,137 total in Medicaid in 2018).

The budget keeps contributions to some agencies flat, while giving some an increase. The Cobblestone Museum, which sought a $7,500 county contribution, remains out of the budget. Other funded agencies include:

• Libraries, stay at $10,000

• Orleans Economic Development Agency, from $170,000 to $180,000

• Sportsman’s Federation, stays at $1,000

• Soil and Water Conservation District, from $80,000 to $92,500

• Cooperative Extension, stays at $240,000

• GO Art!, stays at $3,000

The fee for solid waste and recycling service will be $212 for the year, which is up $5.

There will be a public hearing on the budget at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the County Courthouse.

To see the line items in the budget, click here.

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ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board would like to see the final plans for a proposed 22,000-square-foot addition to the County Administration Building.

Municipalities tend to be exempt from getting local reviews and approvals from other municipalities for building projects. While the county doesn’t need Planning Board approval, members of the board said a review could result in a better project.

“I truly believe when we have these discussions, and sometimes they are vigorous discussions, that we get a better product in the end,” said Ron Vendetti, a member of the board representing the Village of Holley.

Planning Board Chairman Brian Napoli brought up the issue during Thursday’s Planning Board meeting.

“They’re expanding the building,” Napoli said. “Shouldn’t we see the plan?”

The 17-member Planning Board reviews projects around the county for new buildings, additions, zoning changes and other land use matters.

“It’s kind of a double standard,” Napoli said. “They make zoning ordinances for everyone else.”

This rendering from Wendel shows a proposed 22,000-square-foot addition to the County Administration Building.

Vendetti, in his role as Albion code enforcement officer, said some recent projects in the village were exempt from his input, including projects at the school district and the new bus garage on county-owned land on West Academy Street.

Having another professional look over the plans could save significant money later if a mistake is caught before construction, Vendetti said.

“There is a lot of experience and expertise on this board,” Vendetti said. “I think we put a better product out when we sit here and talk about it.”

The Orleans County Legislature has approved a maximum bond of $10,063,881 for an addition to the County Administration Building on Route 31, behind the nursing home. The Public Health Department, Board of Elections and other county offices will be relocated to the new addition.

Jim Bensley, director of the county’s Department of Planning and Development, said he would talk with county legislators about having the project go before the Planning Board for a review.

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Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The fall 2017 class has graduated from the Orleans Microenterprise Assistance Program. About 500 people have now graduated from MAP since it started in 1999.

Pictured, front row, from left: Diane Blanchard, MAP coordinator for the Orleans Economic Development Agency; Delanda DeLucia, dog grooming business; Beth Schorer, owner of Beth’s Freshly Started Sewing Box; Patrick Dishaw, Mold and Radon Assessment Services; Joe Nelson, Alana Monska and Jason Monska, A & J’s Bakery and BBQ Catering.

Small business advisors Dick Pettine, Jon Costello and Sam Campanella; Amanda Mrzywka, co-owner of Navarra’s Farm Market; Joan Navarra-Mrzywka, “Joaney Baloney” food truck at Navarra’s Farm Market; Felicia Viloria, considering a hot dog stand; Sara Mathes, owner of Sassy Girls Sparkle; Linda Suhr, IPA beer and wine retail store; Joshua Fisher, JJ Contracting; and Ben DeGeorge, owner of the Arnold Gregory Office Complex, where the class meets and there are offices for small businesses. Not pictured: Kerry Rosenberg, dog wash business.

The 10-week gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan. The graduates are now eligible to seek low-interest financing for up to $30,000 from the Orleans EDA.

The Orleans Economic Development Agency has run the program since 1999, with classes in the spring and fall.

The class is held at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex in Albion. The graduation program was Tuesday at The Village Inn.

The EDA is preparing for the spring class which starts in April. There are spots available. Contact Diane Blanchard, MAP coordinator, at (585) 589-7060.

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FEMA expected to reimburse municipalities for much of their expenses in fighting flood

File photos: Jason Hardenbrook, a Kendall Highway Department employee, picks up a sandbag on May 5. Highway workers teamed with inmates from the Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica to fill and stack sandbags. Kendall should be reimbursed any overtime, fuel and out-of-pocket costs for its response to the lake flooding this year.

WASHINGTON, DC – The decision by the Trump Administration to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the New York State southshore counties could result in more than $2 million collectively to the lakeshore towns of Carlton, Kendall and Yates, as well as Orleans County.

The three towns and the county collectively spent about $250,000 for overtime, diesel fuel, and other expenses with filling and moving sandbags, said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.

The flooding and erosion from the high lake waters also caused $2.5 million to 14 sites that are publicly owned in the county, Banker said. That includes infrastructure and municipal property.

The disaster declaration doesn’t include damage to residential and commercial properties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the records submitted by the municipalities and should issue reimbursement checks, Banker said today.

The FEMA declaration so far includes the southshore counties of Jefferson, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne.

The declaration releases FEMA public assistance and hazard mitigation funds to cover emergency work, repairs and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, as well as make long-term improvements to reduce the impact of future disasters, U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer said in a news release on Monday.

Sandbags are stacked by the Kendall Town Hall on May 5.

“This is a massive and well-deserved shot in the arm for many lakefront counties that we fought long and hard to secure,” Schumer said. “It will provide federal funds for many counties hit hard by the relentless lake flooding, but we will keep up the pressure until we secure the same support for both Monroe and Cayuga Counties. Residents along Lake Ontario dealt with record-high lake levels and it has caused them to close businesses, caused damage to homes and eroded shoreline protections.”

“This Major Disaster Declaration for New York State is an important step to help the communities near Lake Ontario recover from the record flooding this past year,” Gillibrand said. “This designation unlocks important FEMA funding to repair damaged infrastructure and helps ensure that the Lake Ontario shoreline is better protected against future flooding. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that the residents hurt by this severe flooding have all the resources they need to fully rebuild.”

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that, with this disaster declaration grant assistance will be made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work.

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File photo by Tom Rivers: Congressman Chris Collins gets a tour of Green Harbor Campground and Marina on July 5 from co-owner Barb Anderson. The campground in Carlton was badly flooded by the high water from Lake Ontario.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) commended the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approving the disaster declaration for flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

This flooding has been attributable to the failed Plan 2014 that leaves the south shore of Lake Ontario in danger of historic erosion, Collins said. The congressman has been working closely with the Trump Administration to make sure this declaration was a priority amongst requests for other devastating disasters across the country.

“We have witnessed awful devastation along the shoreline and have stayed persistent in our fight to secure federal assistance,” said Collins. “My constituents desperately need this support and I thank the Trump Administration for its commitment to Western New York.”

Federal funding is available to the State and to tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Jefferson, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

“Today’s news means that those impacted will have access to the wide-ranging disaster assistance FEMA can provide, but we will continue working with the Administration to make sure new IJC commissioners will be appointed to put an end to Plan 2014,” added Collins.

Collins has met with both President Trump and Vice President Pence, sharing his concerns about Lake Ontario’s shoreline flooding, the IJC and Plan 2014. Staff from the Collins office and the White House have been working closely since the request for a disaster declaration was issued to make sure this funding was secured. Monroe County remains under review and Collins will continue to work toward a resolution. Collins has received support from state and local leaders in highlighting these needs.

“We are very pleased with the FEMA declaration being made.  Hopefully, this will be the last time we need a declaration for these reasons,” said E. John DeFilipps, Chairman of Orleans County Legislature.

“This is great news for Niagara County and its lakeshore residents that have sustained serious property damage along our shoreline,” said William Keith McNall, Chairman of Niagara County Legislature. “Niagara County sincerely thanks Congressman Collins for his several trips to view lakeshore conditions and property damage through the last several months.  Niagara County recognizes and appreciates Congressman Collins’ persistent and unending efforts in trying to attain this funding that is so important to lakefront communities, for which Niagara County is very grateful.”

“I know I speak for lake-shore residents, small businesses, and local governments when I thank Congressman Collins for his hard work to ensure New York gets the federal resources it desperately needs for flood recovery. As lake levels recede, we’re still fully assessing the damage. FEMA aid will be a critical step as we help devastated home and business owners and as we rebuild our communities,” said State Senator Robert Ortt.

“FEMA’s decision today is a monumental step for our communities who have been living with the damage done by Lake Ontario’s flooding since last winter. While the damage was certainly unparalleled, this funding will undoubtedly help NY State continue helping those in need. I commend FEMA for its decision and I thank Congressman Collins for all of his hard work during this time and in making this funding a reality,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

“FEMA’s approval of the disaster declaration for flooding is very welcome news to the residents and businesses that have endured the devastation of the extreme high water levels of Lake Ontario’s south shores. I applaud President Trump for his action and Congressman Chris Collins for his tireless advocacy on behalf of these communities. I will continue to work hard fighting for the necessary funding and resources to make our shoreline communities whole,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris.

“Congressman Collins has led our NORA (Niagara Orleans Regional Alliance) fight from day one for our Lakeshores, to Washington, and back through Albany. These monies are desperately needed to offset the horrendous expense incurred by this man-made disaster created by the IJC. We thank you Congressman Collins.” said David E. Godfrey, Niagara County Legislator and Lynne M. Johnson, Orleans County Legislator in a joint statement.

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