Three-day budget extender approved as state budget talks continue...
New York lawmakers passed a three-day budget extension Monday to ensure state operations continue undisrupted as negotiations over the spending plan continue. The budget was originally due April 1. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers missed that deadline as they tried to reach agreement on changes to the state's bail law, a housing plan and other policy issues the governor had included in her budget proposal. A key sticking point has been Hochul's proposed changes that would give judges more discretion on setting bail for violent felonies. Liberal lawmakers have resisted further changes to the state's bail law. This was the third temporary budget extension approved by state lawmakers. Some state lawmakers expressed frustration at the holdup on a final budget. The A-P quotes Republican Assemblymember Edward Ra during the floor vote... "“This is the third (extender), and it’s happening despite the fact that one party is controlling our state government." However... he voted in favor of an extender. Lawmakers must pass another extender Thursday if a state budget isn't finalized by then.
City lawmakers get more information on proposal to hire eight new firefighters; find future costs may be prohibitive...
It appears that it will cost at least an additional $2.7-million to keep eight new firefighters in the Jamestown Fire Department through 2029. That's from a detailed analysis of salaries... benefits... and, other costs from the City Comptroller's office, provided to city lawmakers Monday afternoon. During last night's City Council work session... Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund addressed accusations that lawmakers don't care about the fire department. Ecklund says the city council cares "deeply" about the first department, but, adds the committee needs to look at all financial ramifications of actions taken. The federal SAFER Grant the city would received would cover $1.8-million of the cost for three years. However... the total cost for the eight firefighters would be $2.1-million, leaving the city picking up more than $270,000 of the cost. Councilman Jeff Russell says, while salaries would cost $1.29-million... there are other costs including: state retirement contributions of $262,000 and city health and dental insurance cost of $372,000. The addition of a second ambulance was also discussed. Fire Chief Matt Coon says the department could still run that -- with the four added firefighters through the American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Borrello blasts contractors plea for more money for State Thruway rest area projects...
As the renovation process continues for the New York State Thruway's service areas, one of the companies involved in the Thruway Authority's project is reportedly losing millions of dollars on it. Ireland-based construction company LeChase is now seeking $270-million from the state in order to complete the project. That from State Senator George Borrello... who calls that "outrageous." Borrello says he now firmly believes the state's authority system is "corrupt" and needs to be reformed. The Sunset Bay Republican, who was recently appointed to the state's Public Authorities Control Board, plans to ask for an investigation into LeChase's bid on the project.
City woman arrested for DWI, and drug possession during traffic stop...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for drunk driving... and, illegagl drug possession after being pulled over during a traffic stop on the city's eastside. Jamestown police stopped a vehicle on Fulton St. about 3 a.m. last Friday for not signaling a turn. Officers determined that 38 year-old Alisha Crouse was driving while intoxicate... and, she was taken into custody. Police say they also found a quantity of methamphetamine in her possession. Crouse was charged with DWI... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation... and, several other traffic violations. She was issued appearance tickets and released.
Sundquist highlights meetings with White House staff, Schumer and Langworthy during Wash., D.C. trip...
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist had the chance to speak with federal leaders during a recent visit to Washington, D.C. as part of a conference of the nation's mayors. Sundquist says he met with Biden Administration officials about the need for projects... and, programs to built the workforce in Jamestown... especially regarding infrastructure projects that would be funded by the Jobs and Infrastrucure Act. In addition... Sundquist met with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York... who's been a frequent visitor to Jamestown and Chautauqua County. The mayor says one of the big topics for Senator Schumer is one the Brooklyn Democrat has commented a lot on in recent weeks... railroad safety. Sundquist says he also met with Schumer... and, local Congressman Nick Langworthy... about restoring Essential Air Service to the Chautauqua County Airport near Jamestown. In addition... he also discussed the need to preserve SNAP benefits in the new Farm Bill... which is up for reauthorization this year.
Earthfest set for Wednesday at SUNY JCC...
Jamestown Community College’s annual Earthfest will be this Wednesday on the city campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As advisor to the Earth Awareness Club, Professor Jan Bowman helps organize the event, and says water will be a major focus for this year's event. Earthfest features a variety of local vendors with environment related products and services. There’ll be some special events too, including Jeff Musial from ‘Nickel City Exotics’ at noon. He says he'll be bringing his "animal ambassadors..." and explain why it's a "bad idea" to own an exotic animal. Local musician Jamie Haight will provide entertainment. The Soil and Water Conservation District will be offering seedling trees to plant. Bowman emphasizes the public is welcome at Earthfest, and it is very ‘kid friendly.’
