Heat on in here. Mr. Chairman, honorable members, I come before you today in accordance
with the terms of the oneida county charter to present the proposed operating budget and
capital plan for 2026. Welcome all of the people that are here with us today, especially the
students that join us today and members of the public and and all. I want to thank this board
for being great partners in this government, in moving it forward and all that we do on a
yearly basis. And especially I want to thank chairman jerry fiorini. A great colleague who
has been instrumental in helping me move this country forward. And I know that
there'll be more time for this, but this is the last time that he'll sit behind me as I
present this budget. He is one of my greatest friends and a great partner, and I will miss
his leadership every day. Thank you. He hates when I do that. Yes I do. I want to also
recognize all my department heads who are here today, and all of that work with me and
the entire oneida county workforce. That is second to none for delivering great
services to the people of this, of this community, day in, day out, 24 seven. And I want to
thank them for their service. I want to thank the budget team that works on this every year.
this budget director, tom keeler, dimitri sidorovich, his deputy anthony carvelli,
commissioner of finance, and his staff for the work on this budget. My executive team that
works tirelessly as well on this, putting this together. And I also want to thank the
oneida county comptroller, vanessa carbone, for her assistance, as always, and her
work on this budget as well. So thank you. I would also like to thank my other partners in
government. Certainly, I serve with great people every day. The sheriff, rob mitchell,
thank you. Sheriff, county clerk mary finnegan and the district attorney, todd carvell.
thank you for your service and everything that the people of oneida county, as I have said
many times as I've come before you some 18 times now, this budget is a blueprint of how we
accomplish our tasks day in and day out. What is entailed in this budget is a series of hard
choices. In my entire time as county executive, I've taken a conservative approach. I don't
don't borrow more than you can afford. Keep taxes as low as possible, become more efficient,
cut services and programs that don't work or are underperforming while being
sure to fund the ones that do. But almost the same way a household budget works, there
are things that cannot be cut. Households must pay rent or mortgage and utilities. They
need food and clothing. They invest in their children's education, in their health and
their well-being. Well, it works the same way in county government in a lot of ways.
there are many, many areas that we need to invest in for the betterment of this community.
and we do just that. We're a county budget differs from a household and from all other
forms of government. Is that the state of new york forces us to provide mandated services
that make up over 90% of our allocations, while the federal government has passed a bill
that fundamentally changes the way it deals with the state, nothing has changed for the
latter. The state of new york never cuts services because it doesn't get hurt financially.
instead, it just pushes more and more of these programs onto the counties. There is
uncertainty at the state and federal level surrounding the future of medicaid. We must be
prepared for the increased cost the state pushes on to us in what could rapidly become a
post medicaid cap world. Currently, our medicaid bill is $57.3 million a year. That is
$1.1 million per week. That is 86% of our property tax levy. And those, you know, I've been
and we all have been singing the medicaid problem for years. It could get much worse. There
is also a law on the governor's desk right now that will likely be signed from all indications,
which could mandate county wide ambulance services a cost that would be millions of dollars
per year. The snap program will be funded at 75% by the county in late 2026. Previously, this
funding was 5050. However, the bigger hit may come from the state in 2027. In 2026, this
hit will be approximately $2 million more per year. But in 2027, if the state decides to
shift its error rate cost to the counties that hit could be in the range of several million
dollars. The list of actions such as these goes on and on, and it is our job to be
prepared to handle these situations. Meanwhile, while state and federal aid plummets
and our mandates increase, our other revenues are mostly flat. The oneida indian nation
agreement has been a major factor in not raising the property tax levy for 12
straight years, it has generated $233.5 million for this government since its
inception. The last two quarters are trending upward, with the recently opened point
place, along with turning stone $700 million investment. That trend is anticipated in this
budget. Sales tax, however, is another story. It is flat for the first time since the covid
19 year of 2020, and it is budgeted this year below the 2025 amount. What some fail to
understand is that sales tax does not always go up. It is cyclical and we cannot tie all
of our fortunes to it. We have reduced expenditures in this budget in every way we can,
understanding that we, unlike every other government, will cost the cannot, by law be cut.
so we are taking action to offset that. We are moving the administration of the foster
care program in-house in response to rapidly rising contractual expenses. By
transitioning the work internally, the county will save millions in long term
costs while also improving efficiency. Greater efficiency means cases will move more
quickly, ultimately reducing the number of days that children spend in foster care.
this will result in a better outcome for children and for our county finances. Last year,
our collective bargaining agreements corrected the disparity on salaries in county
government, something long overdue and much deserved for our workforce. We were not
competitive in the marketplace. We couldn't attract or retain the talent necessary to serve
our people. We have gotten better, but we still have a way to go. We have unfunded, long
vacant positions and have maximized our vacancy rate in this budget. This budget is
presented to you today, stands at $560,897,139. That is an increase of approximately 12
million over this year. Despite reductions in changes that we have made. Let me just put it
in perspective and remind you it costs $46 million per month to run this. 46 million. The
2026 capital plan requires $17.6 million in debt and takes on $13 million in new borrowing
for critical projects. Once again, I ensured we are not borrowing that which we cannot
afford. Despite these efforts, for the first time in 12 years, this budget comes to you with a
raise of 2.9% to the property tax levy. With the current climate at the state and
federal level, our revenues flattening, this adjustment is necessary to move the needle
for the future. I have also appropriated $7 million in reserve from the general fund
to close the budget gap, an increase of $500,000 over this year. Now, this should not come
as a surprise. Not to anyone. If you recall, in last year's address, I stated that a modest
increase was contemplated at that time, but then reconsidered. In the 11th hour.
we cannot do the same thing this year. The structural imbalance that we face, along
with changes at the federal and state level, warrant that action be taken now, and not
when those changes come. I also stated late last year, stated last year that we had to look
at hard choices going forward. Can we be all things to all other governments and still
maintain our level of fiscal strength? I'll get back to that a little later, but the reasons
for this increase are many. Let me state them when asked. We have had two devastating
tornadoes in less than a year, with millions of dollars in damage and the loss of lives.
those events in the remnant storms required our action. When all is said and done, we
will have distributed nearly $4 million in direct assistance to those residents who were
affected without any contribution from the state or federal government. We have
done 50 flood mitigation projects in 18 communities and 18 municipalities, with over $8
million in county spending and growing, we continue to invest in mohawk valley community
colleges programing and facilities to prepare our workforce for the growing
opportunities in the high tech and manufacturing industries. We're joined by president van
wagoner, and we recently, some of you joined me as we cut the ribbon or broke the ground.
excuse me, on an $18 million commitment to the soon to be constructed applied technology
center on the utica campus, we upgraded our we upgraded to a state of the art radio system
at e911 for all first responders at a cost of $22 million. In turn, we created a
record management system so first responders can have as much information as possible at
their disposal for increased public safety. With a price tag of 2.5 million, we invested $2
million in broadband expansion so that underserved rural areas can have access to high speed
internet. We continue to invest millions of dollars combating opioid use and work 24 over
seven on the growing homeless crisis. We invested $2.3 million in security cameras
across the county that have already assisted law enforcement in making arrests,
and we are constantly at the mercy of new york state and the federal government, who
continue to push extra costs onto us. No other local government comes close to that
list. I could go on and on because there is much, much more. More that we do, more
that we contribute to, more that we've invested in. But my point is this we are the
government that all others rely upon, and we always answer that call if we are expected to
answer, if we are expected to respond to natural disasters, if we must assure that our
first responders have the best system at the ready, if we must deal with societal issues that
no other government is prepared for or willing to do, then we need to look at fundamental
changes to our governmental structure. I spoke of some proposals in last year's budget
address that I will stress again. I will once more send a resolution for your action to
address the county's responsibility of making villages whole on their tax
collection. I will again convene the mayors of utica and rome regarding sales tax
distribution. I note that our two large cities have also had to raise taxes. While many of
our towns and villages sit on large reserves, but still come to the county for money under
the current sales tax formula and structure, many towns don't even need a town tax yet. We
are required to make their property and school taxes whole. Things need to change and we
need to lead that change. Just look at what we have accomplished together and look
at what this county looks like today. And improved health care systems with direct county
investment, a vibrant tourism and recreation network stimulated by county investment,
infrastructure improvements throughout this county with county investment and a better,
more responsive county government that serves everyone. 2025 is a year that brought us
the largest natural food processing facility in the nation. In chobani, oneida
county won that competition over larger states other than new york. Why? Because of what
we have done and what we continue to do. So I ask you and the people of oneida county
not to look at this as a step back, but as a leap forward. I have been proud of the response
of this government in challenging times, but I am even more proud of the people
of this community. Our collective strength and resilience is unmatched.
challenges are why I love this job, because we face them together and we don't run away.
abraham lincoln said it best. You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by
evading it today. Yes, we have challenges, but they are opportunities. As you review
this budget, please keep in mind that we cannot ignore what is coming. We are handcuffed by
dysfunctional governments in washington where they can't agree on anything. And in
albany, where if it's not needed in new york city, our voices are unheard. That's not
oneida county, ladies and gentlemen, we are one and as one we will meet what is put in
front of us, and we will keep moving forward to this legislative body. As always, my
team and I look forward to your discussions, review and input as you go through this budget.
and we stand ready to answer all of your questions. I want to thank you all for being here
today. For all the people in the gallery. I want to thank this board once again and
chairman, for their leadership. And I thank all of you. God bless oneida county and the
united states. Thank you.
thank you. Very well. Next day, james, under resolutions. Introductory
number 243 is the final approval of consolidated agricultural district number one for the towns of annsville, camden, vienna and florence. Do we have a second discussion?
call the vote. Chairman. I'm sorry. Absolutely. What are you doing here? What does that mean?
jeff? Norm. Rick. Norm. Jeff. Carried. Introduction. Number 244 is the final adoption and
approval of the open enrollment for ag district agricultural landowners. Do you have a
second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 245 is the
approval of a second agreement amendment between oneida county and the community foundation of
herkimer and oneida counties to administer the 2024 tornado relief fund. Do I have a second
discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 246 is the proposed workers
compensation budget for 2026. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Load is carried.
introductory number 247 is the approval of a memorandum of understanding. First renewal
between oneida county through its department of family and community services, the rome housing authority and mohawk valley housing and homeless coalition. Do we have a second
discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 248 is the approval of a grant
agreement between oneida county through its department of family and community services and new york state through its office of children and family services. Do I have a second
discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 249 is the approval of an
amendment to a purchase of services agreement between oneida county through its department of family and community services and the city of rome. Do I have a second
discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 250 is the approval of an
agreement between oneida county through its permanent family community services and cny. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Is carried. Introductory number 251 is the
approval of an agreement between oneida county through its health department and mohawk valley community action. Do we have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried.
introductory. 252 approval of a master services agreement between oneida county and big
language solutions. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried.
introductory number 253 is the approval of a professional services agreement between
oneida county through its division of information technology and consource. Do I
have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 254 is the
approval to create one assistant county attorney position. Do I have a second
discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 255 approval of the hardware
care services agreement between oneida county through its county clerk's office and
corporation, and approval of a sears agreement between oneida county and the corporation.
sure. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Okay, tim. Tim. Thank you. We're on
the big screen, I guess. We'll just carry. Introductory number 256 is approval of a master
lease agreement between oneida county through its division of purchase and duplicator supply company. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number
257 is the approval of a consultant services agreement between oneida county through
its department of public works and the town of kirkland. Do I have a second engineering
discussion? Call a vote. Are we doing here? There you go. Vote is carried. Introductory number
258 is approval of a master template agreement between oneida county and various
municipalities for roadside mowing. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote
is carried. Introductory number 259 is the acceptance of a proposal from march associates
for the oneida county office building. Reorganization. First floor project. Do we have a
second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 260 is the
approval of a grant agreement between oneida county department of planning and new
york state through its department of environmental conservation. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 261 is a
resolution calling a public hearing for the purpose of considering an increased cost
of the proposed improvements for 90 county sewer district. Do I have a second discussion?
call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 262 is a determination pursuant to the
state environmental quality review act, that the proposed sauquoit creek pumping station
and oneida county water pollution control plant resilience resiliency
enhancements project will not have an impact. Do I have a second discussion? Call the
vote. Vote is carried. Introduction. Number 263 is a resolution authorizing 8.8
million in bonds. The county of oneida to pay the cost of certain improvements to the
oneida county sewer district. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Please carry.
introductory number 264 is a resolution approving, pursuant to section 268 of the county
law, an increase in improvement of facilities for the oneida county sewer district. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 265 is a
transfer of $1,055,919 to a8760 .495 other expense, dpw and supplemental appropriation of
6.1 million. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number
266 is approval of an amendment to capital project pln 136, exit 31 traffic study. Do I
have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 267 is a
transfer of 559,961 to 99 01. 900. Transfer to other funds. Do I have a second discussion?
call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 268 is the approval of the amendment to
capital project h. Eir 08556102 capital outlay griffiths airfield triangle project. Do I
have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 269 is
approval of task order number 42 to a master agreement for consultant services between
oneida county through his department of aviation and cns engineers. Do we have a second
discussion? Call the vote. My name is. Yes. Washburne. Yes. Vote is carried. Introductory
number 270 is the approval of a waterville central school district initial response team
agreement between oneida county through its department of probation and the waterville central school district. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. We got chad. Chad.
chad. Thank you. Introductory number 271 is the appointment of michelle crist as court
reporter. Grade 41 w step five. This will need to be amended. I'm not sure if. Chuck, if you
want to come, just explain really quick. So we're changing this resolution to be a
reallocation of the title. The initial request to bring into a step five. We may have had
compliance issues with civil service law. So we pulled that resolution to to amend the the
title to a higher grade. It accomplishes the same salary that we were looking for. But
it's just a cleaner way to implement this and also sets the starting salary at a more
competitive salary going forward for future recruiting. So there was a little bit of an
oversight on my part, but this is where we are right now. Yes. Can we just ask for somebody to
pick it up? Mr. Joseph, make the amendment, have a second on that. All in favor, signify by
saying aye. Aye. Proves that we need to actually hold on to. Thank you. Okay, so now we're
voting on. It's actually now the reallocation of salary for the position title court
reporter from grade 41 w step one to grade 44 w step one. And this resolution is on your desk
and is as amended. Wait a second. I need a second on it now. Discussion. Call the vote.
vote is carried. Doctor. Number 272 is a supplemental appropriation of $12,963 to
31102451 100 automotive repair. Sheriff, do you have a second discussion? Call the vote.
voice carried. Introductory number 273 is approval of a template for special patrol
officer services to be used between oneida county through its sheriff's office and various entities. Do you have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried.
introductory number 274 is the approval of an agreement between oneida county and invictus apps, and transfer of 108,000 to a 3020 various emergency services accounts. Do
you have a second discussion? All right. Thank. You. Gotcha. Call the vote. Vote is carried.
introductory number 275 is on your desk. And it's approval of a first renewal, an amendment
agreement between oneida county through its department of planning and fisher associates.
do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. Introductory number 276 is a
resolution scheduling public hearings on proposed 2026 oneida county budget and
capital program. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. There we go. Vote is
carried. Introductory number 277 is the approval of bids offered at the august property
auction. Do I have a second discussion? Call the vote. Vote is carried. An introductory 278
is a local eb of 2025. Local law authorizing the county of oneida. Notwithstanding section
215 of oneida county state county law to enter into a lease of county owned real
property situated in the city of rome. Griffith's business park development district for a term of 50 years without competitive bidding, and that will be on you, that is sitting
on your desk for action at next meeting. Any further business with, as you may have noticed,
there's many of us here today wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. As a survivor, I
want to thank you. I appreciate your support. I encourage everybody that is due for their
mammograms or get testing that they get tested. It can save your life. Also, I'd like to
add that on october 22nd, verona cancer center will be having an event. There will be
basket raffles, there will be speakers. They have the mammo van coming for free screening.
I encourage you can attend to attend. Thank you, thank you. Chairman of the board and
legislators. Today I'll be formally resigning as I've made new hartford my new home. But
please save my seat because I intend to be back come january. Thank you, thank you. Ways and
means is going to meet immediately following to set our schedule for the budget
review. Okay. Anyone else? Motion to adjourn. Meeting