September 2022 Session Update
September’s Session was a long one, almost two hours, as Republicans and Democrats went back-and-forth on a number of issues.
Perhaps the most contentious debate was over the resolution making more than $14,000,000 available for various housing initiatives in Onondaga County. The money in the resolution was appropriated three ways: $10,000,000 for housing, with the rest being split between lead abatement programs and the Shape Up For Veterans home improvement program. The debate was over the housing portion, which Legislators from the other side thought they didn’t have enough information on and tried to send it back to the Ways and Means Committee.
In addressing those of the other party, Legislator Timothy Burtis said “We need to do something. We know we have a housing issue. We know the areas where that’s a challenge. So, why your questions are understandable, at the same time I think it’s time to keep moving forward.”
The Legislature eventually voted to split the resolution into two parts. One, for the housing part, and the other for the Shape Up for Veterans and lead abatement funding. In the end and after much debate, both were approved unanimously.
Chairman James Rowley says the housing program is a new one, and the Community Development office will oversee it. He says they work with a variety of housing programs all around the county and a committee with Legislature representation will decide which projects will have the most impact.
Another big debate was over changing the amount kept in the county's General Fund to 15% of net revenue - from the current 10% level. Think of this fund as the County's savings account, with the money being saved so there's some in reserve should an economic situation present itself. After much discussion, the resolution was adopted.
Legislator Julie Abbott thinks raising the percentage and saving more money is a conservative approach, and with talk about a possible recession in the years ahead, is the right thing to do. “I think to prepare and have that money set aside so if the worst happens, we can continue to provide vital services and continue to be good fiscal stewards and not have to raise taxes, because that’s not how we operate in Onondaga County.”
Legislator Colleen Gunnip sponsored a resolution to make surplus room occupancy funding (generated from overnight stays at hotels) available for use in support of hospitality initiatives in Onondaga County. This is an industry hit hard by the pandemic, down by as much as 15% at times over the past few years. The money connected to this resolution totals $1,500,000. One-third of it will be direct aid to hotels with the rest going for direct aid to hospitality tourism infrastructure. Legislator Gunnip says the money will have a big impact, especially in her district, where the scheduled changes to Interstate 81 will reduce the number of people visiting areas like Salina. Legislators approved the resolution.
Legislators also approved a resolution allowing the county to give the Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association $15,000 to help with their public education programs. Legislator Mark Olson, who himself is a 40+ year volunteer in Fayetteville, sponsored the resolution.
“They have a smoke trailer that’s a simulated house with a kitchen and bedrooms and they teach kids what to do in case there’s a fire in your house” Legislator Olson says. “Stop, drop and roll. Smoke detectors. CO detectors. Things in the kitchen. They show kids how to use fire extinguishers. It’s really just a whole comprehensive public education program and so it is money well spent.”
Legislators also were asked to approve several resolutions authorizing $30,000,000 for improvements at Onondaga Community College. The money is half the total cost for the projects, as New York State picks up the other 50% as OCC is part of the State University of New York system. The projects include:
Various Improvements at Onondaga Community College Facilities ($10,250,000)
Construction of a Workforce Career Lab at Onondaga Community College ($2,750,000)
HVAC And Other Energy Related Improvements at Coyne Hall at Onondaga Community College ($2,500,000)
The School of Health Expansion Project for the Onondaga Community College ($15,000,000)
