Photo by Tom Rivers: Thrive Foods, new owner of Freeze-Dry in Albion, is looking to invest $5 million in the site at 111 West Ave.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has approved a sales tax abatement for Thrive Foods, owner of the Freeze-Dry facility at 111 West Ave. in Albion.

The company will get about a $60,000 exemption on the sales tax for building materials and machinery, equipment, fixtures and furnishings that would cost an estimated $747,724.

The EDA board on Jan. 21 approved a sales tax exemption for up to $100,000.

Thrive Foods, the new owner of Freeze-Dry, is planning to spend $5 million at the site in the next two years in a renovation of the 250,000-square-foot building and equipment upgrade.

The company anticipates 45 new jobs after three years.

“This will generate new employment opportunities and attract highly skilled labor to the area,” company said in its EDA application

There are currently 59 workers at the site at an average annual pay of $47,386, with Thrive Foods expecting 29 new jobs in first year of renovation and expansion and 16 more in second year. The new positions would be at an average of $39,000 a year to start, according to the application to the EDA filed by Sebastian Nilsson, CEO of Thrive Foods.

Thrive Foods is planning to optimize existing dryer capacity and add new dryers to boost capacity. The project will increase efficiency and add new capabilities, improve the working environment and renovate interior/exterior of the building, the company said.

The projects at the facility include:

• renovations to the roof, interior offices, commercial plumbing and paving of parking lot
• increase refrigeration capacity to increase number of shifts and output
• upgrade equipment through improved maintenance plan
• add two additional freeze dryers to improve capacity

The EDA calculated the overall benefit to the county with the facility investments and new employee wages at $7,263,305. With the sales tax abatement at $59,818, the cost to benefit ratio is 17 to 1, according to the EDA.

The Orleans County Legislature also is seeking a $675,000 grant to assist with the expansion and upgrades at Freeze-Dry in Albion. The county is seeking that grant funding from the state Office of Community Renewal. The Orleans Land Restoration Corporation, which is under the EDA umbrella, is assisting the county with the application.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is down 6 cents in the past in Orleans County, from $3.55 to $3.49, according to AAA.

The national average price nationally for a gallon of gasoline is $3.42, down 5 cents since last Monday.

Regular unleaded gas is at $3.518 today state-wide compared to $3.559 a week ago, $3.438 a month ago and $3.675 a year ago. Diesel remains much higher state-wide than a year ago with today’s average price per gallon at $5.191 compared to $5.256 a week ago, $5.294 a month ago and $4.120 a year ago.

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $3.488
• Genesee, $3.393
• Wyoming, $3.464
• Livingston, $3.486
• Monroe, $3.453
• Niagara, $3.330
• Erie, $3.440
• Chautauqua, $3.626
• Cattaraugus, $3.491
• Allegany, $3.572

AAA issued this statement about the gas prices:

“The national average for a gallon of gas is down again this week. Fewer people fueling up, and lower costs for oil, are behind the price dip. This morning oil prices range from $79 to $86 per barrel, up a few dollars from last week, but relatively low compared to the highs we saw last year.

“The drop in gas prices gives drivers a little more in their wallets just in time for Valentine’s Day. If gas demand and oil costs remain low, drivers will likely see pump prices drop through the week.

“According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand is down slightly compared to one year ago, which explains why gas prices are declining. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased significantly. If gas demand remains low amid growing total domestic stocks, pump prices will drop further.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MIDDLEPORT – Runners take off at the start of the 34^th Mr. Ed’s Super Bowl Warm-Up today in Middleport. There were 217 people who finished the 5K and about 60 others who walked the course on a sunny day with temperatures in the high 40s. Often the race has been held on freezing cold days with snow and ice.

The top 3 male finishers include Ian Heschke of Gasport, 1st at 17:55; Jay Heideman of Middleport, 2nd at 19:17; and Anthony Cinotti of Akron, 3rd at 19:43.

The top three female finishers include Kimberly Mills of Oakfield, 1st at 20:04; Emma Evans of Lockport, 2nd at 22:04; and Kelli Roger, 3rd at 22:34.

Don Heschke, Mike Dellario and Joe Moll continued a Mr. Ed’s tradition by firing a small cannon to start the race.

The race in its history has raised $95,000 for scholarships and also to assist community members in need.

Valerie Wood (left), Barb Keirn (second from left) and Bonnie Boyd serve chili, hamburgers and tuna fish salad at the post-race party inside the fire hall. The 2021 race was a virtual event and it was back in-person last year but there wasn’t a post-race party due to Covid concerns.

The post-race celebration, considered one of the bigger post-race parties among Western New York races, returned today.

MEDINA – Bent’s Opera House will offer an event for the community with the showing of a movie on their large screen on Valentine’s Day.

“Sleepless in Seattle” will be shown at 6 and 8 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and includes coffee and a sweet treat. A cash bar will be available for those who would like to order a drink. Members of the Senior Center of Western Orleans will be admitted for $5.

Reservations may be made by calling (585) 318-2110 or visiting Bent’s webpage.

This is just one of the events planned at the restored opera house  to encourage its use by the community. Information on swing dancing, evenings of jazz and more can be found on the Bent’s website.

ALBION – A pop-up food distribution scheduled for Monday morning in Albion has been cancelled.

Katrina Chaffee, director of community services for Community Action, was called today by the food distributor. She expects it will be rescheduled in the future.

During the distributions about 200 people typically receive bags and boxes of food at the village’s municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.

The events in Albion are run by Community Action with food delivered by Foodlink in Rochester.

The schedule through June for Albion includes March 13, March 27, April 10, May 8 and June 12. The events are scheduled to start at 8:30 although many of the vehicles are in the parking lot well before that.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!

That was the tagline for a series of videos that I began posting on YouTube back in October 2019 titled, “Refill with Randy”. In each episode my goal was to inspire others by sharing personal insights from my life and ministry, as well as highlighting some great things happening in our community, and was often joined by others over a cup of coffee.  Now, 80 videos and a blog later, I will be bringing “Refill with Randy” to the Orleans Hub and Pennysaver. Some things will change, “Let’s start this day week right… TOGETHER!!!  but my aim to inspire others remains the same.

Pauline Bachorski back, right

As I start this new endeavor I thought I should share a little about myself and my motivation for doing this. Back in the spring of 2004 I was appointed as the Lead Pastor at Albion Free Methodist Church so, along with my wife, our 2-year-old daughter, and our 2-week-old son, I made the move from Niagara Falls to Orleans County and never looked back.

Since that time our family grew, as we welcomed two more girls to the mix, and our love for the people of this area grew as well. After over 15 years of pastoring at AFMC I felt God calling me out of the pulpit but not out of the area so, in the summer of 2019, I stepped out in faith and started Go Scatter Ministries. Since that time God has given me the opportunity to serve others in a variety of ways.

Pastor Randy LeBaron

In addition to speaking at several churches around the County and volunteering as a Care-Net Counselor, an Orleans County Sheriff’s Chaplain, and as a helper on the Hands 4 Hope Ministry Truck, I am also an active member of of P.A.C.T. (Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation), an Adjunct Professor at Robert’s Wesleyan University, and the Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator for Supportive Care Orleans (Hospice). I am also adding Interim Pastor at Medina 1st Baptist Church to that list as of today.

I often joke about how many hats I wear but the reality is that each one represents a door that, when opened, has allowed me to meet and connect with so many  people. In doing so I have heard and seen many inspiring things and so my hope is to give you a glimpse of some of the good things I have gotten to experience on a regular basis. My hope is that these stories will fill you up—like a cup of coffee for your soul. So, on that note and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to highlight how some have chosen to help those who may be grieving the holiday rather than celebrating it. 

Annie Curfman, Alexa Suleski, Neveya Barnes

On January 31st my colleague at Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), Christine Fancher, and I were invited by Pauline Bachorski, the Service Unit Manager and Leader of Albion Girl Scout Troupes 82007 and 82261, to join them for their meeting that evening at North Point Chapel.

Upon arriving we were greeted by a large group of scouts, along with some parents and other leaders, and asked to share a little about Hospice. Afterward the girls went right to work making gifts to give to our patients at The Martin-Linsen Residence (Hospice Home).

Using everything from markers, stamps, glue, a cricut machine, and a whole lot of love, the girls made cards, envelopes, and even some crafty flowers, to serve as a reminder that each resident is being remembered and loved. Thank you girls!!!

Madison & Scarlett Smith

And, as appreciated as the gifts will be to those who may be experiencing their last Valentine’s Day, we at Supportive Care also wanted to do something for the many who are experiencing their first Valentine’s Day without their loved one.

To that end our Grief Support Group, which meets every second & fourth Tuesday of the month at the Albion 1st Baptist Church at 4 p.m., is going to change up the format for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 14th. After polling current members of the group my co-leader, Amanda Byron, and I decided that rather than sticking with with a typical session we would simply make our group a safe space where people could come play some games and enjoy some snacks together with others who are going through a similar experience.

So if you or someone you know is struggling with  grief and loss please know that the game night, as well as the regular group meetings, are open to anyone in the community and are free of charge. You may be experiencing Valentine’s Day very different this year but you don’t have to do it alone. 

See you in two weeks!
Pastor Randy

Emmalyn Curfman

Rosemary Kirby, Christine Fancher

The Downs Hotel in Holley was built in 1893.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 3  No. 6

HOLLEY – On Wednesday, February 13, 1893, the newly built Downs Hotel in Holley was opened to the public for the first time.

Despite the wintry weather, guests came from Rochester, Buffalo and even Elmira. A reception, banquet and ball were held that evening. Supper was served from 8 to 10 p.m. A Rochester orchestra played music for a large crowd of dancers until small hours of the morning.

The new hotel, designed by Rochester architects Warner & Brockett was acknowledged to be the finest in the area. Located at the corner of the Holley Square and Thomas Street, the three-story trapezoidal building had a perimeter of 300 foot and a depth of 100 foot.

The sandstone which covered three exterior walls came from the Downs and Gorman quarry south of the village. The fourth wall was of brick construction and was trimmed in stone.

The main entrance was on the south side, it was protected by a large balcony. The roof line was broken by several dormers. A cylindrical corner on the southeast was designed as a band room.

Hardwoods were used on the lower floor: quartered oak in the hall, reading room and office and ash in the dining room. Steam heat was featured throughout the building. The 35 guest rooms were equipped with electric lights, call bells, lights in closets and baths, and a high pressure water supply. The cost of this project was estimated at $30,000.

Frank Crocker, an experienced hotelier who had managed hotels in Attica and Olcott, and had owned the Mansion House for several years, was the manager of the new hotel.

The Mansion House was Holley’s first hotel.

The Downs Hotel was built on the site of the former Mansion House which had been built by Samuel Cone in the late 1820s when business in Holley increased due to the Erie Canal.

Former owners of the Mansion House included: 1830-44: H.B. Avery; 1844-45: Alva Ogden; 1845-60: H.B. Perry; 1860-61: Mr. Wilcox; 1862-66: Mrs. H.B. Perry; 1866-68: Bennett & Nielsen; 1860-85; Eli D. Olds; 1885-90: Frank Crocker; 1890-92 Mr. Nelligan.

John Downs was the visionary behind the newly built hotel. A successful Holley businessman and entrepreneur, he had amassed his wealth first as a livestock trader and sheep shipper and later as a private banker.

He purchased the Mansion House in 1892 and promptly had the building torn down. He noted that he had traveled extensively in his career and realized the importance of clean lodging and good food for travelers, and he wanted to offer comfortable facilities in Holley.

The Downs family lived in a large Italianate home at 1 South Main Street in Holley. Referred to as the Stoddard-Downs house, it was built by Moses Stoddard in the mid-1860s and purchased by John Downs in 1886. It was destroyed by fire on January 5, 2020.

John Downs died on April 4, 1901, at the age of 55. Sadly, Hattie Lee, his 12-year-old daughter died in October of that same year from appendicitis.

The Downs Hotel was reportedly sold in 1915 by the Downs Estate to E. Roessner, proprietor of the Portland Hotel in Rochester, for $16,000. That transaction must have been problematic as the Downs Estate later concluded a sale of the hotel “which had been unoccupied for some time” to the Holley Hotel Corp. for $9,000, in 1920.

In later years this fine hotel was variously referred to as the Hotel Holley, The Holley Inn and the Holley Hotel.

The Hotel Holley is pictured in 1935.

ALBION – The state comptroller’s office is reporting Orleans County took in $22.5 million in local sales in 2022, which was a 3.0 percent increase or by $700,000 from 2021.

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said it was a strong year for sales tax state-wide. All 62 counties showed an increase.

The 3.0 percent growth in Orleans is among the smallest across the state. Only six counties were less: Dutchess, 1.6 percent; Wayne, 2.4 percent; Jefferson, 2.4 percent; Chenango, 2.4 percent; Cayuga, 2.5 percent; and Chautauqua, 2.9 percent.

But Orleans is coming a big year in sales tax in 2021, when the county’s sales tax jumped by $2.4 million or 12.7 percent from $19.4 million in 2020 to $21.8 million in 2021. In 2019, the local sales tax totaled $17.7 million.

In three years, the county sales tax is up by $4.8 million or 27 percent.

The local sales tax is mostly used to fund county government. The county shares $1,366,671 with the 10 towns and four villages. They have been frozen at that level since 2001.

Among other GLOW counties, the sales tax included the following for 2022:

• Genesee, $49.7 million to $54.9 million, up 10.4 percent
• Livingston, $42.2 million to $44.8 million, up 6.2 percent
• Orleans, 21.8 million to 22.5 million, up 3.0 percent
• Wyoming, $22.7 million to $24.8 million, up 9.2 percent

Statewide the sales tax collections were up 12.7 percent or by $2.5 billion in 2022, totaling $22.1 billion in the calendar year, according to the report from the state comptroller.

New York City’s sales tax growth for 2022 was 20.6 percent, more than three times the growth in counties and cities throughout the rest of the state which was up 6.5 percent.

“The pandemic created significant sales tax volatility over the past few years, first with a major decline, then with a strong rebound,” DiNapoli said. “Sales tax growth has remained strong for a sustained stretch as consumers resumed spending relatively quickly after pandemic shutdowns ended. Additionally, the state implemented policies just prior to the pandemic that ensured more online sales were being fully taxed.”

Provided photo: Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello and Assemblyman Michael Norris.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

LOCKPORT – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Assembly Members Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris, and Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti today called for changes to the state’s bail laws after two alleged scammers – who are in the country illegally – were released back into the community yesterday, and also reiterated their calls for changes to the disastrous criminal justice “reforms” pushed by Democrats that have led to increased crime in communities.

In this case for example, judges were unable to set bail under the new law. However, since the culprits were in the country illegally, they were held temporarily under a federal detainer.

Last week, the North Tonawanda Police Department received a call from a resident about a potential scammer pretending to be a law enforcement official who was attempting to get her to pay $40,000. Thanks to the quick work of the NT Police Department, they were able to set up surveillance and arrest the scammers, who were charged with a class D felony.

Unfortunately, due to New York’s bail laws, these individuals were only eligible to be given appearance tickets under state law. Thanks to the quick thinking of the presiding judge, a federal detainer was able to be implemented, allowing law enforcement to hold these individuals while federal paperwork was processed. After the processing of the paperwork, the two individuals, who reside outside of Philadelphia, were released on their own recognizance.

“This incident is a perfect example of how our state’s bail laws have failed the residents of New York State,” Ortt said. “The presiding judge being able to hold these individuals on a federal detainer for a short while, but now these two men that are here illegally to begin with, have been released back into the community to potentially do more harm.”

“For quite some time I have been calling for change to bail reform along with other criminal justice reforms in New York State,” Filicetti said. “Law enforcement needs to have a seat at the table and have input when criminal justice reforms are being considered. Thus far, drastic changes have been made without considering the impacts on public safety. The time is now to put our victims first and have serious discussions on reforms that work for all of us.”

The officials also issued a word of caution to help residents from being victimized by potential scammers. They advised the community to never give out personal or financial information over the phone, and to contact the local authorities if they are suspicious that they may be the target of a scam.

“The governor and state legislature must repeal these ‘so-called’ bail reform laws and implement the dangerous standard now so judges and law enforcement are given the tools again to protect our communities,” Norris said.

Press Release, Medina Lindy in the Village

MEDINA – The next Medina Lindy in the Village will host a “Swing Pink” themed Lindy Hop swing dance with proceeds from the event on Thursday going to support breast cancer research.

DJ Tommy Sprinkles of Swing Buffalo will serve up romantic jazz hits of yore for area dancers in Bent’s historic opera space, decorated in a pink theme symbolizing breast cancer awareness. All dance levels including beginner and spectator are welcome from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

The “Swing Pink” dance event is the first of this year’s Medina Lindy in the Village themed dances. While Lindy Hop swing dances have become a regular monthly fixture at Bent’s since their August inception, this event is the first to use dance to raise money for a cause and the first hosted solely by Medina Lindy in the Village.

A free beginner lesson at 6:30 will be included as part of the evening’s festivities, with the dance itself immediately following at 7:30. Tickets for the dance are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for family households, all of which include the free lesson before the dance.

Medina resident Phil Berry formed Medina Lindy in the Village to spread Lindy Hop social dancing through monthly dances and free group and one-on-one instruction, and to keep social dancers informed of learning and practice opportunities in the Niagara-Orleans area.

“When Medina Lindy asked me if I would provide the music for a dance with such an important cause, it was an easy decision,” said DJ Tommy Sprinkles, who is donating his services for the benefit dance. “We’ll have a lot of fun on the dance floor while doing some good.”

“In response to the strong turnout we’ve seen from the younger community and families, we are offering reduced pricing for students and families,” Berry said. “The number of youth and families that have started to join us for these dances has shown us there is a great interest in wholesome community activities for all ages, such as swing dancing. We hope our adjusted pricing will allow these new dancers to keep on attending, and will attract even more students and families to join in the fun.”

Bent’s has modified its role in these monthly swing dances. Rather than functioning as the host, Bent’s now provides advantageous pricing to Medina Lindy in the Village so they can better execute on their dance- and community-centered vision.

Medina Lindy plans to continue holding these monthly dances on the third Thursday throughout 2023 in addition to offering additional free group lessons at Bent’s on the first three Mondays of each month.

For more information about Medina Lindy in the Village, or upcoming dances and lessons, visit www.MedinaLindy.com, or www.facebook.com/groups/medinalindy, or email info@MedinaLindy.com.

Village officials open to exploring fire district to oversee fire protection for Albion, Gaines

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion Fire Department ladder truck was utilized on Jan. 29 for a chimney fire in Gaines at a house at the intersection of Route 279 and Route 104.

ALBION – The Village Board is mulling how to pay for two new fire trucks that together could be close to $3 million.

The Albion Fire Department has been strongly urging the village in recent years to prepare for replacing a ladder truck from 1996 and a pumper from 1992. Another pumper is 16 years old.

Former Fire Chief Harry Papponetti said current estimates for a new ladder truck are $1.7 million and $900,000 for a new pumper. And it could take three or four years for a new truck to get built because of a shortage of materials.

Papponetti and the fire department leaders have suggested a ladder truck with pumper capabilities and a new pumper. Those two truck would replace the ladder truck and the two current pumpers.

The fire department is funded by village taxpayers, with the towns of Albion and Gaines also paying a fire protection contract.

Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said too much of the department’s budget is on village taxpayers. She would like to see the village pursue Papponetti’s suggestion of a fire district that would include the village and two towns. The contributions to department’s budget would be based on the tax base in each municipality.

Riley thinks it would be a fairer way to finance the department.

The Village Board would like to hear more on the pros and cons of the fire district. It would operate under oversight of elected fire commissioners, instead of the Village Board. The board of commissioners could be set up so each municipality has representation.

The Village Board is looking at the costs of financing the trucks through bonds, including what the annual debt payment would be depending on the duration of the bond and the amount.

Papponetti said the older fire trucks have diminishing value but increasing costs for repairs and maintenance. The ladder truck was recently out of commission for three weeks for a $22,000 engine repair. Papponetti estimated the 27-year-old truck is only worth about $30,000 now.

The cost of the fire trucks has escalated in the past generation. Papponetti said the ladder truck was $525,000 in 1996 and now would be three times that price or even more.

He sees as fire district as a way to expand the tax base in supporting the fire department, giving the volunteers the needed equipment to respond to fires and other emergencies.

MEDINA – A Medina man is facing drug and weapons after search warrants on Wednesday by several law enforcement agencies.

Xavier Hand

Xavier Hand, 26, has been charged after an investigation into the sale and distribution of fentanyl pills disguised as prescription oxycodone pills, disguised Xanax bars and high-grade marijuana, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department and the Medina Police K9 executed search warrants at 11655 Million Dollar Highway storage units in the town of Ridgeway and at Hand’s residence at 510 West Ave., apt. 5a in the village of Medina.

Law enforcement seized 114 fentanyl pills disguised as Oxycodone pills, over 2,000 disguised Xanax bars, over a half of pound of Psilocybin mushrooms, over 14 pounds of high-grade marijuana, over $ 156,000 in cash, a loaded .40 caliber semi-auto pistol, scales, numerous packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.

Hand has been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (class B felony), 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (class D felony) and 1 count of criminal possession of weapon in the second degree loaded firearm (class C felony).

Hand was arraigned in CAP court by the Murray Town Justice Ted Spada Jr. and was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $2,000 cash bail. Hand is currently on Orleans County probation and a probation violation warrant was filed with the Orleans County Jail.

He was again arraigned in CAP court by Albion Town Justice Gary Moore on the probation violation and was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

Assisting in the investigation was the Orleans County Probation Department, the State Police, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency and the Albion Police Department K9.

This investigation is ongoing, and further charges pending lab results and further arrests are pending, the Task Force said.

ALBION – Several Democrats, including the party’s chairman and vice chairman, asked the Orleans County Legislature to try again with a redistricting proposal, and eliminate three at-large or countywide positions.

The Democrats’ leadership said the current makeup of the Legislature – four district positions and three at-large posts – should be changed to seven district positions with no at-large legislators.

“At-large districts, due to their larger size, tend to make it much more difficult for a candidate with limited resources to prevail in an election,” said Jim Renfrew, vice chairman of the Democratic Party. “We believe that at-large districts look too much like a strategy to marginalize minority views.”

Jeff Lewis, chairman of the Orleans County Democratic Party, speaks during Thursday’s public hearing at the legislative chambers of the Orleans County Office Building. He asked the Legislature to eliminate the three at-large positions and instead have seven districts of the same population.

Democrats, which are outnumbered by registered Republicans by a 2-to-1 ratio in the county, are at a competitive disadvantage in county-wide races. Having smaller district positions would make the races less daunting for Democrats and other candidates. In some elections, the entire seven-member Legislature is unopposed. Rarely do more than two legislators have opposition.

“Orleans is the only county in New York that has at-large legislative districts,” Renfrew said. “While there may have been a reason for designing them this way fifty years ago, they diminish democracy in the present time. I think there should be seven districts of equal population, and none of them at-large.”

The redistricting proposal keeps the three at-large positions. There is an at-large legislator from the east end (currently Ed Morgan of Murray), one from the central (currently Don Allport of Gaines) and one from the west end (currently Skip Draper of Shelby.

The county’s population in the 2020 census was 40,343.  For redistricting, the 1,456 population in the two state prisons is taken out. That puts the county total at 38,891 for redistricting. Dividing that by the four legislative districts puts the ideal district at 9,723.

With the current district boundaries there would be an 11.7 percent population variance, which is above the 5 percent threshold allowed.

The county worked with Skyline Demographic Consultants, Inc. to bring the four legislative districts within an acceptably close size.

Courtesy of Orleans County Legislature: This map shows a plan for four of the districts for the Orleans County Legislature.

David Schaefer, vice president with Skyline, went over the changes in the districts to bring them within an acceptable size.

The county is looking to add part of western Murray to a district that currently is the towns of Albion and Gaines (currently filled by Fred Miller, the lone Democrat on the Legislature). That gives the Albion-Gaines (District 3) more people and also takes away from District 4 that includes Murray, Kendall and Carlton (currently filled by John Fitzak). The Murray section that is added to District 3 includes 522 people from Murray’s election district 5.

During the last redistricting about a decade ago, the county added a small part of Shelby to District 2 that included Yates and Ridgeway (currently served by Lynne Johnson). This time the county is looking to move more of that area back into District 1, the Shelby-Barre-Clarendon district (represented by Bill Eick). That represents a shift of 418 people.

The three at-large countywide positions don’t legally require any changes because they represent the same population – the entire county.

The Legislature is expected to vote on the redistricting changes during its 4:30 p.m. meeting on Feb. 21. The county is under pressure to get the changes approved because candidates for the position are already going through the endorsement process and soon will be circulating petitions to run.

The Orleans County Democratic Party in December filed a lawsuit to demand the county move forward with redistricting. County officials said the process was already under way before the lawsuit was filed.

“Why a lawsuit?” Renfrew said during the public hearing. “It shows that we are very serious about our concerns, and it gets your attention.”

Jeff Lewis, the Democratic Party chairman, asked the Legislature to “go back to the drawing board” and have a Legislature with seven equally sized districts. He said those districts would be more “community centric where people would know their representative.”

Jason Dragon of the Village of Albion said the current Legislature pushes projects outside the villages. He would like to see districts with a stronger voice for villages. The county, for example, does little to assist villages with their very high tax rates, Dragon said.

Dennis Seekins of Lyndonville urges the Legislature to change the makeup into seven legislative districts instead of the current four with three at-large positions.

Jess Marciano, a Medina village trustee and Democratic Committee member, said eliminating the at-large districts and having more legislative districts would result in smaller areas for the legislators. Instead of districts with an ideal size of 9,723 with four districts they would be 5,556 with seven districts. Marciano said eliminating the at-large positions and having more districts might result in smaller populated towns, such as Barre and Clarendon, having a legislator from that town.

The current makeup includes two legislators from Shelby, two from Gaines, and one each from Yates, Carlton and Murray. Renfrew said it’s odd with the current setup that some towns can have two people on the Legislature while one end of the county (the east side) has one person total.

Marciano asked that there be a non-partisan commission with county residents to determine the lines for the districts, without the county relying solely on a consultant.