August 3rd Legislative Session Press Release

Legislators Appoint New Commissioners, Create OCIDA Revolving Loan for Economic Development

The August Legislative Session in Onondaga County was, in part, a celebration of the great people our county has who are willing to serve the community. The Legislature also voted to create a $20 million revolving loan fund for the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency to attract and retain new business investments in the area. Investments in site selection and workforce development will always benefit our local economy.

“Joanne Spoto Decker is the epitome of what we look for in a new commissioner,” noted 6th District Legislator Julie Abbott-Kenan. “She is a promotion from within to fill the role of Commissioner for Adult and Long Term Care Services and her decades-long dedication to the elderly makes her an easy choice for the position.”

Spoto Decker previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Office for Aging and Director of Community Services and Long Term Care for 21 years before that.

Legislators also approved the appointment of Shannon Harty as Commissioner of WEP, a step up from her previous role as Deputy Commissioner. Shannon has big plans for the department to bring it into the future and continue to streamline processes for County residents.

The Legislature also took a bold step forward by investing heavily in economic development by starting a $20 million revolving loan fund for OCIDA.

“This fund gives OCIDA the ability to cultivate local business opportunities and attract developers,” said Legislature Chairman David Knapp. “The Legislature will maintain oversight of the spending along with the OCIDA board and we are thrilled for the progress that this will bring. Onondaga County is now well positioned to continue to draw some of the most significant business investments in the history of our region and help current businesses continue to invest and grow in Central New York.”