Tag: countyexec

Flights to Orlando will Continue as Planned, Beginning November 16^th

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Avelo Airlines announced Thursday that all newly announced routes to Fort Myers have been postponed. This includes service from the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), as well as a number of other airports throughout the US. Affected travelers are being notified and will be refunded or offered alternate accommodations in lieu of their flights to Fort Myers. Service from BGM to Orlando via Orlando International Airport (MCO) will continue as planned, with the inaugural flight departing from BGM to MCO on November 16^th.

“We will continue to monitor the rebuilding effort in Southwest Florida and look forward to establishing a base at RSW in the future and adding back the previously announced routes,” said Courtney Goff, Communications Manager for Avelo Airlines. “Avelo is always looking at new opportunities and cities to potentially add to BGM in the future. We are still working closely with our area partners and will continue to be involved in the community to strengthen awareness for future growth opportunities.”

“We understand this was a difficult decision for Avelo to make, but one that we support given the impact to Fort Myers and surrounding areas following Hurricane Ian,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Our hearts are with the people of Fort Myers in the aftermath of this devastating storm. When they rebuild their community, we hope to reestablish our direct flight to RSW.”

“Fort Myers and all areas impacted by Hurricane will build back better than before; when it does, BGM will have shown both Avelo and the flying public the need for additional routes,” said Broome County Commissioner of Aviation Mark Heefner. “Until then, we are excited for Avelo’s direct service to MCO to begin.”

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today that Broome County has received its best fiscal score in history from New York State. According to the Fiscal Stress Monitoring Report released yesterday by the Office of NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, Broome County’s score was 6.3 for the 2021 fiscal year. 

“I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done that has earned us the best fiscal score in the history of the County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Working with Chairman Dan Reynolds and the entire Legislature, we continue to craft responsible budgets that cut taxes, control spending, and limit our short-term borrowing. Broome County taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used wisely and this score from the Comptroller’s Office proves that’s what we’re doing.”

Broome County’s score of 6.3 resulted in “no designation” of fiscal stress from Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the best possible classification. Scores are out of 100 and are determined using a variety of metrics; the score then correlates with one of four fiscal stress designations: significant, moderate, susceptible to, or no designation. Higher scores indicate a higher level of fiscal stress. Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office evaluates local governments on financial indicators including year-end fund balance, cash-on-hand, short-term borrowing, fixed costs and patterns of operating deficits to create fiscal stress scores for each municipality in the state.

A fifth-straight property tax cut, upgrades to numerous County positions, and the largest parks improvement plan ever were all proposed during Broome County Executive Jason Garnar’s 2023 Broome County Budget Address. Garnar presented his annual budget proposal Wednesday evening at the former Endicott-Johnson Victory Building in Johnson City. It was the first in-person address from the County Executive in two years.

“We’re once again delivering a budget that saves taxpayers money while making investments that will make Broome County an even better place to live, work, and visit,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Because of the work of our Budget Director, Department Heads, and especially my partners on the County Legislature, we’ve put Broome County in a position where we can once again cut taxes while also making strategic investments for our future.”

The proposed budget reduces the property tax levy by 0.1% – the fifth consecutive tax cut for Broome County residents. In his address, the County Executive detailed efforts that have grown the County’s fund balance from just $240 thousand in 2017, to $35 million at the end of 2021; work that has enabled him to continue holding the line on taxes while also investing in new infrastructure, programs, services, and most importantly, people.

More than 130 County positions are proposed to be upgraded in the 2023 Budget, 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 Garnar took office in 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.

As part of the biggest Parks proposal in the history, the budget proposes a new multi-use building, outdoor ice rink, and wiffle ball stadium at Grippen Park; new turf fields and lighting at BAGSAI softball complex; along with new pavilions, grills, trails, restrooms, and other amenities for visitors.  

Garnar also proposed the largest investment in the County’s successful Small Community Fund program to date – $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 this year’s address 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

With support from State, County, and City funding, construction will begin this summer on a new home for Family & Children’s Counseling Services, formerly Family & Children’s Society. The $5 million-dollar project is supported with $600 thousand from the State of New York, Broome County, and City of Binghamton; each level of government providing $200 thousand.

“We are so grateful to Broome County, the City of Binghamton and the New York State Assembly for helping us bring this project to fruition,” said FCCS Executive Director Lisa Hoeschele. “The community need for behavioral health services has grown exponentially in recent years. This new facility will strengthen and protect continued access to health care services in the community by allowing us to expand mental health and addiction services and further integrate primary care services.”

A brand-new 9,000 square foot, two-story building will be constructed on Main St. in Binghamton adjacent and connected to the existing facility to help Family & Children’s Counseling Services to better serve the community. Broome County approved the allocation of $200 thousand in American Rescue Plan funding in April; Binghamton City Council approved its share at its May 4^th business meeting; and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo secured additional funds in the New York State Budget.

“This long-awaited expansion will provide much needed mental health and addiction treatment services to our community,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “When we learned about the increased expense of the project, County Executive Garnar, Mayor Kraham and I pledged to work together to allocate the additional funds. I’d like to thank Family and Children’s Counseling Services for their commitment to providing these vital services, and my colleagues for their collaboration.”

“As the need for services continues to grow, Family & Children’s Counseling Services will now be able to expand and accommodate more clients than ever,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “For 80 years, this agency has helped thousands of families in our community. With the funding we were able to commit, I know the great people at Family & Children’s Counseling Services will serve thousands more for another eight decades and beyond. Thank you to Assemblywoman Lupardo and Mayor Kraham for their support of this important expansion.”

“With this funding, the Family & Children’s Counseling Services will be able to expand and help more people with mental health and other challenges,” said Chairman & 5^th District Broome County Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “Continuing these types of investments will provide valuable resources for residents who need access to these services.”

“These investments will double the size of the Family & Children’s Counseling Services’ West Side facility, allowing the organization to better serve its clients and expand critical public health services for our community,” said City Councilwoman Sophia Resciniti, District 2. “For decades, the Family & Children’s Counseling Services has provided vital mental health, counseling and support services to our community. As a social worker who worked hands-on at the Family & Children’s Society earlier in my career, I know this funding will make a difference in our community and am proud to support these efforts.”

Founded in 1941 by Esther W. Couper, Family & Children’s Society is one of the community’s largest providers of human services, assisting people of all ages. In 2020, The Family & Children’s Society merged with Family Counseling Services of Cortland County to become Family & Children’s Counseling Services. Programs include mental health and addiction services, care coordination, housing placement, vocational assistance, and sexual abuse treatment.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Daniel J. Reynolds announced Wednesday a proposal to suspend a portion of the County’s gasoline tax. If approved by the County Legislature, the tax will be capped at $3 per gallon of gasoline starting June 1^st and going through December 1^st.

“The cost of living has gone up dramatically over the past year. Everything from groceries, to utilities, to fuel costs more but what isn’t going up is people’s paychecks,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “The County does not control what drives up the price of gas, but we are taking what action we can to provide savings for our residents.”

“Anytime we can put money back in the hands of residents, we should take that opportunity,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman & 5th District Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “While these rising costs are not controlled at the local level, we want to do anything we can to help residents save money and see a noticeable difference at the pump.”

The County’s proposal, combined with recent action taken by the State Legislature, will save drivers more than $0.20 on each gallon of gasoline purchased in Broome County, based on current prices. For a vehicle with a 20-gallon tank, drivers should save more than $4 each time they fill up. With more than 135 thousand licensed drivers in Broome County, millions of dollars in total savings could be realized throughout the duration of the tax cap.

A resolution on the gas tax suspension is on the agenda of the County Legislature’s meeting tomorrow, April 28^th.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced Thursday $50,000 in upgrades to the community food pantry program run by Outreach Ministries.

“Our community is one that always steps up to lend a hand to our neighbors in need,” said Broome County Executive Jason T. Garnar. “Outreach Ministries does amazing work to help thousands of people and never missed a beat throughout the COVID pandemic. Broome County is proud to partner with the City of Binghamton to provide resources to expand the important mission of serving our community.”

“The community food pantry operated by Outreach Ministries has fed thousands of local residents over the years and provided a critical lifeline to vulnerable families and seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic especially,” said Mayor Jared M. Kraham. “The funds provided by the City of Binghamton and Broome County will help the volunteer-driven program make the necessary upgrades to serve more residents.”

The City of Binghamton is allocating $30,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the program. Broome County is allocating $20,000.

The funds will support the purchase of a new walk-in freezer, refrigerator and shelving for the community food pantry.

Each month, Outreach Ministries, in partnership with Broome Bounty, distributes groceries to about 4,440 residents through the pantry at Saints Cyril & Methodius Church. The community food pantry is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The pantry is open to all in need.

March 4, 2022

Dear President Biden,

As the crisis in Ukraine persists, I am writing to offer Broome County’s unwavering support of the millions of innocent Ukrainian people who find themselves in the middle of this conflict. Broome County Government unequivocally condemns Russia’s unprovoked attack and stands in solidarity with the United States in support of Ukraine.

Our community was built by immigrants from every corner of the globe and has been a historical safe haven for refugees fleeing war and conflict abroad. Thousands of people settled in Broome County in the early part of the 20^th Century seeking a better life; we have also become home to thousands more who fled destruction during both World Wars and virtually every military conflict since. We are ready, willing, and able to assist anyone who is in need of a home – whether it be temporary or permanent – as a result of the violence in Ukraine.

Broome County is already home to a sizable Ukrainian population; one that is proud, active, and involved in the community. Along with these residents and a variety of strong community agencies, Broome County is ready to welcome anyone fleeing violence in Ukraine and we have numerous services and programs that can help them assimilate to our community when they arrive. We understand how frightening and stressful the current situation is for millions of Ukrainians but hope knowing that Broome County’s doors are open to them offers a small sense of comfort.

Sincerely,

Jason T. Garnar

Broome County Executive

           One of the largest awards in its history, the Broome County Public Library announced Tuesday a $75 thousand grant from the Conrad & Virginia Klee Foundation. Paired with $15 thousand from the Library’s operating budget, the funding will be used for a peer-based mental health program.

              “Because we are free and open to all, the Broome County Public Library serves Broome County’s most vulnerable residents, including those struggling with homelessness, mental health, and addiction,” said Library Director Josias Bartram. “We strive to be a welcoming and judgement-free environment where members of the public can take advantage of all the services we offer. However, there is a clear need for more than what we have been able to provide through our existing programs and staff.” 

              “Our library is one of the County’s best assets, providing a wide range of programs for everyone,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This new program will complement the other services offered at the Library and by other Broome County departments. Mental health is a community-wide issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and I appreciate Josias’ leadership in spearheading this effort, as well as the support from Catholic Charities and, of course, the Klee Foundation.”

The Broome County Public Library Peer Support Partnership is a two-year pilot program in partnership with Catholic Charities of Broome County. The Library is contracting with Catholic Charities to provide two Peer Support Specialists for a total of 39 hours per week. Peer support—which harnesses the lived experience of counselors who are themselves in recovery from mental illness—is ideal for the Library and reflects the commitment to fully engage our community and offer innovative solutions. The program will be based in the Library’s Public Lounge, which has been renovated by the Broome County Department of Public Works for this purpose. 

                 Broome County is excited to introduce Adam Aranov as the new Administrator for Willow Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Aranov comes to Willow Point with several years of experience as a nursing home administrator, most recently at Steuben Center in Bath, NY. He was nominated by County Executive Jason Garnar and unanimously approved by the County Legislature at its January session.

              “We are thrilled to have Adam join the exceptional team at Willow Point,” said County Executive Jason Garnar. “Adam has had success running a nursing facility in the midst of the COVID pandemic and understands the unique challenges Willow Point faces. With its dedicated and caring staff, Willow Point is regarded as one of the best facilities in the region; Adam is well-positioned to increase capacity at Willow Point and build on this reputation.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the tremendous staff at Willow Point to help provide the highest quality care for residents,” Aranov said. “I understand that the dedicated staff at Willow Point has done a tremendous job in carrying out this mission. Under my leadership, it is my promise to not only continue this high level of care, but find ways we can improve the services we provide to residents, their families, and the entire community. When they hired me, Broome County made it clear that this was something they wanted prioritized under the new Administrator.”

Aranov has already begun working with staff to accomplish a series of short-term goals for Willow Point. These include filling vacant management slots, ensuring proper staffing on open units and start accepting new admissions to these units, improve billing, reopen the rehabilitation unit, and reopen all closed units to have the facility run at full capacity. 

With the State’s new mask or vaccination policy beginning this week, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today that the County will host an informational session Wednesday to help local businesses understand the latest mandate and what is expected of them. The County Executive will be joined by the Broome County Health Department and Office of Emergency Services to provide a breakdown of the order from the State and answer related questions.

“We want to work directly with businesses and be a resource for them so they know what to expect over the next month,” Garnar said. “It is the goal of Broome County Government to avoid any slow down or shut down of business like we saw last year. Education and ongoing communication will be key to accomplishing that goal.”

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend this virtual meeting Wednesday, December 15^th, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Registration is required ahead of the meeting; businesses can register at the following link: https://broome.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrd-mupzgpGtAweqLabFEBIWnFq3z-JI1y. Following registration, attendees will receive a confirmation email and link to the Zoom meeting.