Borrello proposes 2020 budget that includes no tax increase, 2.7-percent increase in levy...
Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello last night unveiled his 2020 tentative budget that holds the line on the tax rate... but, it does include a 2.7-percent increase in the tax levy. Borrello blames much of the increase on unfunded mandates, including criminal justice reforms including the elimination of cash bail. He says Sheriff's officers may have to go and arrest those accused if they don't show up for a court-date, meaning the department may need a "Warrant Squad" to round up those people. Borrello started the budget process with a $6.8 million deficit, and will have to use $1 million of the county’s fund balance. He says the county tax rate of $8.37 per $1,000 remains lower than it was 13 years ago. The County legislature will begin a week-long review of the budget starting on Monday.
Legislature fails to muster votes needed to approve motion supporting ban on flavored e-liquid ban...
A motion that would have supported state legislation that would ban the use of flavored e-liquids for e-cigarettes did not receive enough votes during Wednesday night's County Legislature meeting. The motion received 10 votes, but needed a super majority of 13. Yeti Vape Vice-President Brian Ellis spoke against the measure prior to the vote... saying that lawmakers should not penalize the adult vape user who has "successfully made the transition from smoking to vaping." Ellis says the black market is responsible for the health issues recently plaguing vaping. Legislature Chairman P.J. Wendel was disappointed with the outcome. The educator and coach still has concerns about youths vaping... because he says it's a problem administrators say is very much in the schools. One legislator, Terry Niebel of Sheridan, said he didn't have enough information to support the motion.
Cuomo, Conn. Governor to work together on regulating recreational pot and vaping...
The Democratic governors of New York and Connecticut say they plan to work together on regulating recreational marijuana and vaping in their neighboring states. New York's Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday it "makes no sense" to pass different sets of rules. After meeting privately at Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's official residence in Hartford, the two announced plans for an Oct. 17 gathering of "regional partners" who will discuss ways the two states can come up with some common details for a possible legalized recreational marijuana program.
Borrello praises agreement reached on state doing work on Interstate 90 in Seneca Nation territory...
Repair work is now underway after an agreement was announced Wednesday between the Seneca Nation and New York State on fixing the three-mile section of I-90 that crosses the Cattaraugus Territory. County Executive George Borrello was among the elected officials who had pushed for repairs. Borrello says he's "incredibly happy" over the agreement because it's been at least five-years since that section of road has had any "significant work" done on it. The State Thruway Authority says crews will perform partial depth repairs to the most severely deteriorated sections of the roadway... and, to the shoulders to help extend its durability in preparation for the winter months ahead.
SUV crashes through front entrance to Lakewood Key Bank, fortunately no one is hurt...
There was heavy damage to the front entrance -- but, no one was hurt -- when a sports utility vehicle crash into the entryway of the Key Bank in Lakewood Tuesday afternoon. Lakewood-Busti Police and Lakewood fire rescue crews were called to the scene shortly before 2 p.m., and, found the vehicle inside the entryway... and, against a second interior wall. Police say fire crews had to extricate the elderly couple inside the vehicle. Officers say the driver may have mistaken the gas pedal for the brakes. Officials add that a woman working in a cubical on the other side of the interior wall had just gotten up and left her office when the accident occured. The impact knocked a file cabinet over. No charges have been filed.
Reed says transcript of Trump call with Ukranian President shows "nothing nefarious..."
Local Congressman Tom Reed says the transcript of President Donald Trump's call with the Ukainian President shows "nothing nefarious." Yet... the Corning Republican says Democrats are "full steam ahead" with impeachment at the cost of real legislation to help people. Reed cited a bill to lower the cost of prescription drugs... and, the ratification of the U-S, Mexico, and Canada Trade Agreement to boost jobs. He concluded that "if you don’t like the President beat him at the ballot box, but stop trying to overturn the results of the 2016 election.”
Annual Busti Apple Harvest Festival set for this Sunday...
The 45th annual Busti Apple Harvest Festival is set to go this Sunday at the Busti Mill and Museam grounds... and, there will be a number of new activities this year. That from Spokeswoman Judy Schultz... who says they include a demonstration of "basic camp life" by the 111th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry... and, Hiedricks Battery. Schultz adds there will also be a new food preservation demonstration from "then to now." Schultz adds that they have about 100 craft vendor spots sold so far... and, there will be a "variety of items" they'll be selling. The Busti Apple Harvest Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and, admission is $5 per person... with children under 11 years of age free. For more information... call 483-3670... or 483-0134.
