December Update
Towards the end of the year, the Onondaga County Legislature meets more than usual to wrap up the current year and prepare for the year to come. This December will have two legislative sessions, but the first Tuesday of the month is where the regular business of the County is conducted. This week, Legislators took care of some important, but often overlooked, processes in County government.
Onondaga County Agricultural Districts have to be reviewed and renewed every eight years, and this year it’s time for a review of District Number 3, which includes the towns of Camillus, Cicero, Clay, Elbridge, Lysander, Manlius, and Van Buren. Property owners in the Agricultural District are sent a letter asking them to reaffirm that their land is viable agricultural land and what it is being used for. Onondaga County’s biggest export is agricultural goods. With global supply chain shortages and an ever-increasing necessity for agriculture, it’s pivotal that we stay in direct contact with local agricultural land owners.
Legislator Burtis, Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, sponsored a resolution that detailed the apportionment of mortgage tax to Towns, Villages, and the City of Syracuse. Collecting and disbursing mortgage tax is an important duty of the County, and Towns, Villages, and the City rely on this revenue to do the necessary work of municipal government. Our Legislators are thankful for positive relationships with municipal leaders that make processes like this smooth and effective.
Chairman Knapp and Legislator Abbott each presented a very well-deserved Gold Seal at legislative session. Chairman Knapp presented a Gold Seal honoring John Drury, a United States Army Green Beret Paratrooper who has served for 47 years as a court reporter for the County Legislature and for several other courts across the county. Legislator Abbott presented the Skaneateles Lakers Boys Varsity Soccer Team with a Gold Seal for their incredible accomplishment of becoming back-to-back New York State Class B Champions. These boys fought hard and took home the Championship in a thrilling overtime victory capping an undefeated season.
It is always exciting to recognize members of our community for their great accomplishments. As we tie up end of the year business, we look forward to welcoming new members of the Legislature in January and wishing the best to our two retiring members. Our caucus extends the warmest wishes this Christmas and Holiday season.