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  • County Executive Garnar Announces Open Enrollment for Broome County KinderCare

    Child Care Center Opening Winter 2026 at Oakdale Commons

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today that enrollment is now open for the new Broome County KinderCare, set to open this winter at Oakdale Commons.

    The new center will provide high-quality, reliable child care for families throughout Broome County, helping meet a critical need for accessible early childhood education in the community.

    Broome County KinderCare will offer:

    • Programs for children ages 6 weeks through prekindergarten
    • Convenient hours and scheduling
    • Qualified, nurturing teachers
    • A safe, engaging environment focused on social, emotional, and academic development
    • Convenient access at Oakdale Commons

    The center is part of Broome County’s broader efforts to expand child care availability and strengthen support systems for local families.

    Families interested in enrolling can call 833-905-3276 or visit www.kindercare.com/broomecounty for more information.

  • Examination Date: 4/18/26 Last Date to File: 3/17/26

  • Broome County Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Small Community Fund

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Applications are now being accepted for the ninth round of Broome County’s Small Community Fund grant program. This year, $500,000 has been budgeted for community improvement projects. Last year, grants were awarded to fund 31 total projects. The Small Community Fund is available to municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects that complement Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan.

    Broome County joined the Vestal Fire District, a past award recipient, at the Fred Singer Training Tower today to highlight one of the many impactful projects supported. Improvements to the tower will strengthen a vital training resource used by numerous fire departments across Broome County to prepare firefighters for real-world emergencies. Investments like this ensure that first responders have the tools and facilities they need to keep our communities safe.

    Since it was created in 2018, the Small Community Fund has supported more than 180 projects throughout the county. Most grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the average grant being approximately $20,000.

    While open to all applicants that meet the stated criteria, the fund is intended to help smaller communities with projects that may not be eligible for alternate funding sources. The emphasis of the Small Community Fund will be on projects which address the goals of the comprehensive plan. More information on Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan can be found here.

    Information regarding the Small Community Fund, guidelines, and how to apply can be found on the County Planning and Economic Development Department’s website at gobroomecounty.com/planning/communitygrants. Applications are due by March 31 at 4:00 p.m.

    Questions regarding the application process will be accepted through March 27 to ensure applicants have the opportunity to receive clarification prior to the deadline.

    Applications should be returned via email, communitygrants@broomecountyny.gov, or by mail: PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.

  • County Executive Garnar Delivers 2026 State of the County Address

    Focused on Growth, Investment, and Building a Stronger Broome County

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2026 State of the County Address Wednesday evening at the Roberson Museum. During his address, Garnar highlighted the progress made over the past year, outlining a forward-looking vision focused on growth, opportunity, and community investment. Framed by the theme of progress through action, the address emphasized that Broome County’s story is being told not just through policy, but through visible results across economic development, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

    Garnar spoke about the strong partnerships between his administration, the County Legislature, state leaders, community organizations, and local businesses – noting that collaboration continues to drive results across Broome County.

    “Tonight isn’t just about where we are – it’s about where we’re going,” said County Executive Garnar. “Across Broome County, we are seeing real progress take shape – in our neighborhoods, in our workforce, and in the opportunities being created for our residents.”

    Highlights of Garnar’s address included:

    • Expansion of child care access, including a new 200-slot child care center at Oakdale Commons
    • More than 1,500 housing units completed, under construction, or preparing to break ground
    • Ongoing redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties across the county
    • Continued support for public safety, emergency services, and veterans’ programs

    This marks County Executive Garnar’s 10th State of the County Address.

  • Check your Health Insurance Benefits for COVID-19 Tests

     

    Same day tests may also be available through Walgreens, CVS or Walmart. Enter your insurance information on the linked sites to see if this is an option.

    Tests may also be available online through Express Scripts. 

    All options are subject to coverage from health insurance. 

     

    For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing. 

  • Examination Date: 5/9/26 Last Date to File: 3/20/26

  • Examination Date: 5/9/26 Last Date to File: 4/1/26

  • Examination Date: 5/9/26 Last Date to File: 3/6/26

  • February 19, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes

    Monday, February 9, 2026

    Public Safety & Emergency Services Committee Meeting Minutes

    Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes

    Wednesday, February 10, 2026

    Personnel

    Economic Development, Education & Culture

    Health & Human Services, Willow Point Update

    Thursday, February 12, 2026

    County Administration 

    Finance

  • BC Transit Offering Free Rides to Warming Centers During the Upcoming Extreme Cold

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Due to dangerously cold temperatures expected Friday evening through the weekend, BC Transit will offer free rides to warming centers from Friday through Monday (February 6-9, 2026).

    Broome County urges anyone who must go outdoors to take steps to stay dry and warm to protect their health. Wear a hat, scarf or face covering, mittens, water-resistant outerwear, and several loose-fitting layers to trap body heat. Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, intense shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.

    Residents are also reminded to use caution at home during extreme cold weather. Low temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, and open flames should never be used to thaw pipes, as this can cause serious fires. Improper use of alternative heat sources may also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

    A list of daytime warming centers and overnight emergency shelter information can be found on the Broome County website at www.broomecountyny.gov/e911/EmergencyNotifications.