Tag: countyexec

Includes Property Tax Rate Cut for Sixth Consecutive Year

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2025 Budget Address Thursday evening at En-Joie Golf Club, outlining his administration’s continued focus on strengthening the community through investments in public safety, economic development, housing, and county operations. Speaking to an audience of local leaders, community members, and county employees, Garnar emphasized the need for responsible fiscal management while addressing key challenges and opportunities for the county’s future.

“From cutting taxes to modernizing our operations, supporting our workforce, and investing in our community, this budget reflects our commitment to building a stronger Broome County,” said County Executive Garnar. “We are tackling the issues head-on while making critical investments to ensure that we continue to grow and thrive as a community.”

The 2025 budget focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, enhancing government efficiency, and positioning Broome County for long-term success. Garnar detailed plans for property tax cuts, workforce enhancements, and vital infrastructure improvements, all while maintaining the county’s strong financial standing.

Highlights of Garnar’s address included:

• Property tax rate cut by .31% – A 24% reduction since 2018, even as inflation rose over 25%
• $3.9 million investment for 271 position upgrades in the county workforce
• $5 million Economic Development and Housing Fund to support housing projects and future growth
• Streamlined operations through Purchasing Department consolidation and new electronic budgeting software
• Additional emergency response vehicles, and $2 million in new funding for law enforcement
• Continued support in funding programs for local veterans
• $500,000 for a new round of the Small Community Fund

This marks County Executive Garnar’s 7^th Budget Address as Broome County Executive.

Project Proposal Brought to Broome County by Local Soon-to-be Eagle Scout

(ENDICOTT, NY) – Today, a groundbreaking took place for the Crime Victims Memorial at Roundtop Park in Endicott. This project, spearheaded by local student and soon-to-be Eagle Scout Schyler Savage, was born out of personal tragedy and a desire to help others heal. Schyler lost his mother to an act of crime, and through this Eagle Scout Service Project, he sought to create a space where families, friends, and the community can honor those whose lives have been taken by crime.

Joining Schyler at the groundbreaking ceremony was Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Director of Parks, Recreation and Youth Services Brenda Gowe, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works Roger Brown, District Attorney Paul Battisti, Crime Victims Assistance Center Executive Director Christine Battisti, Senator Lea Webb, Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds, and County Legislator Erin Micha.

The memorial will feature a retaining wall and patio, with a heart-shaped raised garden at its center. The wall will include granite tiles engraved with the names of community members who have been lost to acts of crime. The Crime Victims Assistance Center will play a crucial role in this process, helping to connect with families, obtain approval, and ensure that their loved ones are honored in a respectful and meaningful way.

Broome County is the primary beneficiary of the project, handling most of the project construction in-house, and covering most of the total cost, which is approximately $150,000. Senator Lea Webb has also provided significant support, contributing $50,000 towards the construction of the memorial. The memorial is set to be complete in April of 2025.

Schyler Savage will remain actively involved in the project, assisting the Broome County Department of Public Works in the construction and final phases.  As part of his Eagle Scout project duties, he will also be fundraising and collecting donations to help complete the memorial and contribute to the cost of the engraved tiles. Those interested in supporting the project can make donations through the Crime Victims Assistance Center’s website at https://cvac.us/ under the tab “Memorial Wall 2025” or directly through https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=GTPJB8D6FTVLJ.

“This is far more than an Eagle Scout Project,” said Schyler Savage. “This will become a solemn place for remembrance and reflection for the many people, including my mother, who lost their lives as a victim of crime.”

“Schyler’s dedication to this project is a powerful example of how one person can make a lasting impact on an entire community,” said County Executive Garnar. “This memorial will be a place of healing and remembrance for generations to come. Broome County is glad to be a part of assisting in the process and bringing Schyler’s vision to life.”

“The groundbreaking of the Broome County Parks Crime Victims’ Memorial marks an important moment for our community,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “The Crime Victims Wall will provide a place of solace and reflection, honoring the lives tragically taken by violence. It’s a call to action to our community to work together to improve public safety and support the families in their healing. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Schyler Savage, whose dedication and vision through his Eagle Scout project have brought this meaningful memorial to life, along with the Crime Victims Assistance Center, and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar for ensuring that the memories of these community members are forever honored.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Broome County and to Schyler Savage for taking on this meaningful project,” said Christine Battisti, Executive Director of the Crime Victims Assistance Center. “This memorial will serve as a place of peace and remembrance for families who have experienced unimaginable loss. Schyler’s dedication to turning his personal grief into a source of healing for the entire community is nothing short of inspiring. We are honored to work alongside him and the county to help ensure that the memories of those lost to crime are preserved and honored.”

County Property Tax Rate Down over 20% since Garnar Took Office

Broome County residents will see their taxes go down for a sixth-straight year in 2024 following the passage Thursday evening of the 2024 County Budget. In addition to the property tax cut, next year’s budget includes additional investments in public safety, infrastructure, and upgrading the county workforce.

“For the sixth year in a row, we’ve enacted a responsible bi-partisan County Budget on behalf of the people of Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This budget once again saves taxpayers money while making Broome County an even better and safer place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to our Budget Director, Department Heads, Chairman Dan Reynolds and my partners in the County Legislature for working with me to cut taxes and make new investments for our future.”

The final budget reduces the property tax rate 4% – the sixth consecutive tax cut for Broome County residents. Since Garnar took office, the entire county property tax rate has now decreased 22%. 

Other highlights of the budget include:

• Another record breaking county road construction program, over 80 miles of paving planned for 2024.
• Funding for the renovation of BGM Airport, Grippen Park, SUNY Broome Health Center, and the construction of the Veterans Resource Center
• Investing in an additional $3,000,000 for county employee upgrades to retain and attract new employees 
• $500,000 for small community grants for non-profit agencies and municipalities
• The addition of 4 more members of the Sheriff’s road patrol to increase public safety

Publish Date

November 9, 2023

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar will be holding a public hearing to propose ideas for the Shared Services Initiative with Town and Village Leaders.

Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: 60 Hawley Street, Edwin L Crawford Building, Binghamton, NY 6th Floor Executive Conference Room.
 

Includes sixth-straight tax cut, new investments in workforce, major capital projects

Taxpayers will pay less on their property tax rate once again in 2024 under the proposed budget delivered by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar Wednesday evening. The average County taxpayer will see a 4% reduction in their rate next year, the sixth-straight year Garnar has proposed a tax cut. The $447 million budget also includes new investments in public safety and the County’s workforce, major capital projects that will break ground or be completed in 2024, a sixth round of the successful Small Community Fund, new housing developments, and an increase for the County’s dedicated Veterans Fund.

“While the cost of living has gone up, we are once again making sure taxes are going down,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Residents may have to pay more for things like gasoline and groceries, they’ll be paying less on County property taxes. Working with our Budget Team, Department Heads, and our partners on the Legislature, we have an opportunity to once again making living a little more affordable while still making important investments for future generations.”

This was one of the most challenging budgets in years, the County Executive added during his address, with more than $5 million in new, unfunded mandates from the State. However, due to year after year of responsible budgeting, strong sales tax revenues, and a healthy fund balance that has grown to more than $50 million, the County was able to weather the storm.

Garnar delivered his address Wednesday outside the brand-new Dick’s House of Sport at the reimagined Oakdale Commons. This location, he said, was an example of how a small investment from the County can turn into something that will have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.

The 2024 Budget will have similar effects for Broome County with targeted investments. These include $3.4 million more for County employees, completion of the largest parks improvement program in County history, renovation of the Greater Binghamton Airport, and breaking ground on the County’s new Veterans Resource Center.

New public safety funding includes a Strategic Response Group for the Broome County Sheriff’s Office that will assist in targeted areas where quality of life issues persist, as well as new positions for Broome Security and the Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, new housing developments and the County’s grant program through the opioid settlement fund will offer longterm supports for neighborhoods.

The 2024 proposed budget also builds on record-breaking road improvement projects, includes a sixth round of the successful Small Community Fund, and a 20% increase to the County’s dedicated Veterans Fund.

Excitement returns to Broome County skies next summer with the return of the Greater Binghamton Airshow. Next year’s show is scheduled for July 6^th & 7^th and will be packed with aerial performances that spectators won’t want to miss, including the world-renowned US Navy Blue Angels!

“We are excited to once again host thousands of visitors at the Greater Binghamton Airshow,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “As the home of Edwin A. Link, it’s always great to see some of the best pilots in the world return to the place with deep roots in the history of aviation. I encourage everyone to keep their eyes to the skies next summer!”

Since 1946, the Blue Angels have wowed millions of people with their precision aerobatic maneuvers. The elite Navy pilots will be joined by a number of additional exiting acts. The Greater Binghamton Airshow is made possible through the support of its title sponsor, Tioga Downs Casino Resort.  

“Tioga Downs is proud to be a part of this incredible event,” said Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort. “This is a big event for the Southern Tier, drawing thousands of spectators to our community – this promises to be another great show that people will not want to miss.”

Additional performances, ticket information, and opportunities for vendors will be announced in the coming months.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2023 State of the County address Wednesday evening in front of guests at the O.L. Davis Fire Company in Endwell. Garnar highlighted the many individual communities, projects, programs, and initiatives that, when added together, make one strong Broome County.

Garnar said: “Community is defined as a unified body of individuals with common interests, living in a particular area. Whether it’s a fire department in Endwell, a school in Whitney Point, a ball field in Binghamton, or a church in Windsor, we are a collection of many small communities that share the same values and goals. Broome County is supporting dozens of major economic development projects, working to make living more affordable, and investing in important programs and services that support all our individual communities. And when we do that, we are stronger together.”

Highlights of Garnar’s address included:

• Economic development projects that have generated millions of dollars & thousands of jobs;
• The work of the emergency services, law enforcement, & first responders to enhance safety;
• Improving County finances, building fund balance, and cutting taxes;
• The County’s commitment to repairing & replacing our infrastructure;
• New opportunities for BC Transit & our Airport
• Supporting veterans through programming and the new veterans resource center
• Investing in our parks system
• An ongoing commitment to our seniors, and more

Garnar also recognized the challenges that face the County, including:

• Continuing to make living more affordable;
• Ensuring housing for people of all ages & income levels;
• Continuing to build on efforts to attract & retain qualified employees
• Ensuring that all residents have access to high-speed internet

This was County Executive Garnar’s seventh State of the County address as Broome County Executive. Garnar and his staff plan to once again share this message with local governments and community groups through a State of the County tour.

Volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in Broome County will be eligible for a property tax exemption under a new County resolution. County Executive Jason Garnar and the Broome County Legislature announced details of the proposal Thursday at the Port Dickinson Fire Department.

“Volunteer first responders sacrifice time with their own families in order to protect ours,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Providing them with this tax exemption is not only a way to say ‘thank you,’ but it will help us attract more men and women to our dozens of local volunteer departments. I appreciate the work of our State representatives who helped pass legislation that allows us to pass on savings to our volunteers.”

“This is a great opportunity to provide some relief for those who do so much for our community,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman & 5th District Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “This exemption will help address ongoing recruiting challenges and also show our volunteer First Responders how much we appreciate their service and sacrifices.”

Under the proposed resolution, volunteer firefighters and EMS workers that have served with their department for at least two years will be eligible for an exemption of up to 10% of the assessed value of their property. The introduction of this resolution was made possible following the passage of a bill through the State Legislature last June that allows local governments to provide this option to its property owners. The County resolution will be considered by the County Legislature as part of its February agenda.

Broome County residents will see their taxes go down for a fifth-straight year in 2023 following the passage Thursday evening of the 2023 County Budget. In addition to the property tax cut, next year’s budget upgrades to numerous County positions, includes the largest parks improvement plan in County history, and recommits to repairing critical infrastructure throughout Broome County.

“For the fifth year in a row, we’ve enacted a responsible County Budget on behalf of the people of Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This budget once again saves taxpayers money while making Broome County an even better place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to our Budget Director, Department Heads, and my partners on the County Legislature for working with me to cut taxes and make new investments for our future.”

The final budget reduces the property tax levy by 0.1% – the fifth consecutive tax cut for Broome County residents. More than 130 County positions will be upgraded in the 2023, representing an additional $688 thousand investment in the men and women who comprise the Broome County workforce. These upgrades build on a commitment to ensure County employees are compensated fairly; more than 700 positions have been upgraded since 2017 – more than 200 of those just this summer for positions at Willow Point, Emergency Dispatch, and Social Services that could not wait until January when the new budget year begins. Work will continue to build on this progress in upcoming budget years.

As part of the biggest Parks proposal in the history, the budget funds major improvements at Grippen Park; new turf fields and lighting at BAGSAI softball complex; along with new pavilions, grills, trails, restrooms, and other amenities for visitors throughout the Parks system.

The County’s successful Small Community Fund program is funded at $1 million to assist more non-profit agencies and municipalities make needed upgrades they may otherwise not be able to afford. Since 2018, this fund has awarded more than $1.5 million for nearly 60 projects across Broome County; the program did not award any funds during 2020 because of the COVID pandemic.

Other highlights from the 2023 budget include a continued prioritization of economic development, new housing projects throughout the County, building on two-straight years of a record number of roads and bridges being fixed, enhancing services for our veterans, and strengthening substance use disorder and mental health programs.

Flights to & from LGA will be offered twice daily using larger aircraft

(TOWN OF MAINE, NY) – Beginning in January, Delta Airlines will fly from Binghamton to the Big Apple. Flights from the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) to LaGuardia (LGA) will be offered twice daily starting on January 9^th. In addition to expanding the number of flights it offers from BGM each day, Delta will use a larger aircraft to accommodate more passengers on each flight.

“New York City is the gateway to the world,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Passengers flying out of BGM will have more destination options than ever before and with larger planes, we’ll be able to have more travelers flying in and out of Broome County. With this expansion in service, along with our new direct flights to Florida, it’s the perfect time to Fly BGM!”

Delta will use CRJ-900 aircrafts, which seat 76 passengers and offer at least two classes for each of these new flights. BGM’s current daily flight to Detroit uses a CRJ-200 which seats just 50 in one class. In order to allow for the new service to New York City, the current daily BGM to DTW flight will be discontinued.

Sunday through Friday, the first flight is scheduled for departure from BGM at 5:25 AM and arrive at LGA at 6:25 AM. A return flight will depart LGA at 12:10 PM and arrive at BGM at 1:10 PM. BGM’s second flight to New York is scheduled to depart at 2:00 PM and land at LGA at 3:00 PM. The final flight will depart LaGuardia at 9:55 PM for a scheduled 10:55 return time at the Greater Binghamton Airport. On Saturdays, there will be a single flight from BGM at 9:00 AM, arriving at LGA at 10:00 AM; it will return from LaGuardia at 7:00 PM, landing at BGM at 8:00 PM. Times are subject to change.

“This is a great opportunity for travelers that choose BGM,” said Mark Heefner, Broome County’s Commissioner of Aviation. “The early morning and mid-day flight times will allow for better access to more connections compared to our current flight time to Detroit. Additionally, our business and leisure travelers should be pleased with the larger plane that will provide at least two classes of service, creating more comfortable flights with additional amenities.”

Tickets go on sale tomorrow; the first flights to LGA are scheduled for January 9, 2023.