June 1st Legislative Session

LEGISLATORS APPROVE MID-YEAR LOCAL INVESTMENTS

The June Legislative Session in Onondaga County featured great investments into the towns, villages, and city that make up our county. All told, Onondaga County is supporting its towns and village with a funding increase of nearly $1.75 million thanks to a booming housing market. Onondaga County is one of the only counties in New York that sends direct funding to towns, villages, the city, and our regional transportation service, CENTRO.

“We know that houses are selling like almost never before, but the mortgage tax apportionment we adopt each year shows just how well our local housing market is doing,” said Legislature Chairman Dave Knapp. “Low interest rates on mortgages and an influx of stimulus cash to individuals has helped our local economy grow in this way, and we are excited to be welcoming new homeowners into our towns, villages, and City of Syracuse.”

Also of great importance is the passage of another fiscally sound budget for Onondaga Community College. Despite a tough year for everyone, OCC has remained vital to educating not only recent high school graduates, but adults looking to build on and expand their professional skillset.

“OCC came to us with a flat budget and a presentation of accomplishments from this year,” noted Ways & Means Chairman Tim Burtis. “The value our local community college brings to the area is immense, and we are thankful for their diligence to remain financially secure amidst a national economic downturn.”

On top of funding localities, the Onondaga County Legislature accepted state and federal funding to drive one of the most ambitious highway plans in recent years. Department of Transportation Commissioner Marty Voss is planning over 180 miles of road construction this season to keep Onondaga County one of the best places to live, work, play, and DRIVE in all of New York.