Your Morning Edition for Sunday, May 4th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Looking at housing, budget gaps, and a new bill in Albany to bolster volunteerism in first responder ranks. Let's get you up to date as we wrap up a chilly weekend in the Finger Lakes.
Ontario County reflects on Fair Housing Month, calls for action on housing barriers
Ontario County leaders are calling for renewed action to address housing affordability and discrimination following Fair Housing Month. Rising home prices, restrictive zoning, and a shortage of affordable options have made it harder for residents to find stable housing. Officials emphasized that creating diverse housing opportunities is critical for retaining young people and strengthening communities. Residents who experience housing discrimination are encouraged to contact the county's Planning Department for support and resources.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Soggy weekend is here.
Rainy and cloudy conditions will dominate the Finger Lakes through Tuesday, with chances for thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. Temperatures will be mild, reaching highs near 59 on Sunday and climbing to the upper 60s by midweek. Drier weather is expected to return by Wednesday, with partly sunny skies and cooler temperatures in the 50s. The weekend looks brighter, featuring mostly sunny skies and highs reaching the upper 60s by Saturday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Facing a $2.8 million budget gap, the Auburn City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a proposed override of New York’s 2% property tax cap. City leaders emphasized that a tax increase alone would not fix the financial issues and outlined steps to cut operational costs, including utility savings and tighter overtime controls. A public hearing on the tax cap override and the city’s budget is scheduled for May 22, 2025. Final budget adoption is expected by June 12 for the new fiscal year starting July 1.
New York lawmakers are advancing a bill to expand tax breaks for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. The proposal would allow volunteers to claim both property and state income tax credits, aiming to make service more appealing amid a 20-year decline in volunteer numbers. State Sen. April Baskin, who introduced the bill, hopes it will pass before the legislative session concludes. Although not tied to budget negotiations, supporters believe it could help rebuild vital emergency services.
The Victor Village Board of Trustees will meet Monday, May 5, to discuss cannabis revenue updates, board vacancies, infrastructure projects, and more. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Village Hall with an open forum for residents. Key topics include resignations, policies for filling board seats, and updates on the Boughton Park Dam. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025.
Save Our Sodus (SOS) will soon launch eco-tours and sunset cruises on Sodus Bay using the newly restored Rose Lummis tour boat. Thanks to a local benefactor, the 50-passenger vessel will help make the bay more accessible to families and children without boats. SOS is also partnering with schools to create a floating classroom, with students conducting real-world science projects like studying microplastics. Tours will begin in June, and more information is available at saveoursodus.com.
The Village of Rushville Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting on April 14, making key appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Library Board. Trustees also approved updates to village policies, professional service appointments, and various fee schedules. New procedures were adopted for handling unpaid water and sewer charges, including late fees and relevies. Regular monthly board meetings will continue on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Village Hall.
CANDIDATES FORUM: Auburn school board hopefuls talk issues
A candidates forum for the Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education was held on May 1, ahead of the May 20 election, where voters will decide on a proposed $107 million budget, a $7.2 million air-handling referendum, and school board seats. The budget proposal included a 3.25% tax levy increase, remaining under the 3.78% state-mandated cap. Three incumbents — Daniel Lovell, James Van Arsdale, and Danielle Woods — sought re-election, while a fourth seat, vacated by Freddie Wilson III, was also up for grabs. Candidates Lovell, Van Arsdale, former board member William Andre, and Frederick Cornelius participated in the forum, moderated by Robert Harding, government and politics reporter for The Citizen.
