Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, March 18th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Auburn mayor talks budget challenges and other city issues. Plus, Ontario Co. updates poll sites and election districts. Chemical agents used to stop fight at Auburn Prison. And more headlines!
Auburn mayor discusses budget shortfalls, police staffing, and infrastructure concerns
Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino addressed the city's budget constraints, police staffing shortages, and infrastructure concerns, citing rising overtime costs and difficulties in recruitment. He highlighted frustrations over stagnant state aid while noting progress in economic development, including new cannabis dispensaries and a proposed housing project. With mounting infrastructure costs and delayed road repairs, Giannettino emphasized the need for increased state funding and policy adjustments to support Auburn’s growth.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Up and down temperatures for a bit.
Mild and sunny conditions continue today with highs near 62°F before warming to 71°F on Wednesday, accompanied by increasing winds. Rain showers and gusty winds move in on Thursday, with temperatures dropping sharply overnight, bringing a chance of mixed rain and snow. Cooler weather follows for the weekend, with highs in the mid-40s to low-50s and a slight chance of showers on Saturday and Sunday night.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Ontario County Board of Elections has finalized polling locations for the November 4 General Election, making minor adjustments, including a site change in West Bloomfield. Revised election district boundaries in Canandaigua and Farmington will take effect on April 1 to balance voter distribution, impacting around 2,050 voters. To assist with the transition, the Board will mail voter notice cards and provide updated maps online.
New York lawmakers have begun budget negotiations, revealing divisions among Democratic leaders on policy inclusion, taxation, and spending priorities. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie argues for a strictly fiscal budget, while Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins support policy measures like school cell phone rules and discovery law changes. Disagreements also persist over tax hikes on high earners, MTA funding, and middle-class tax relief as negotiations continue.
First responders from multiple agencies conducted a large-scale emergency drill at Thompson Hospital to evaluate crisis response strategies. The exercise focused on improving coordination among law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and public health officials. Officials emphasized the importance of such drills in strengthening communication, refining protocols, and ensuring readiness for real-world emergencies.
Hector Town Supervisor Justin Boyette has been sentenced to 15 days in jail for Driving While Ability Impaired following a February 2024 crash on State Route 414. Originally charged with felony DWI, his sentence also includes a 90-day license suspension and a $500 fine, marking his third drunk driving offense. Despite the conviction, town officials confirmed he will remain in his position.
Several Central New York villages will receive state funding for downtown revitalization, though projects may take over a year to begin. Union Springs, Aurora, and Cayuga, awarded a $10 million grant in 2024, have proposed $15 million in projects, including waterfront improvements and building redevelopment. Local officials await final state approval and the release of a Strategic Investment Plan, expected by late April.
INSIDE GOVERNMENT: Auburn’s new school superintendent talks district and future
In a recent episode of Inside Government, hosted by Guy Cosentino, Dr. Misty Slavic, Auburn’s new Superintendent of Schools, reflected on her first six months in the role. She discussed the district’s current standing with state aid and test scores, as well as Governor Hochul’s focus on cell phone use in schools.
First responders test emergency preparedness at hospital drill
First responders from multiple agencies conducted a large-scale emergency drill at Thompson Hospital to evaluate crisis response strategies. The exercise focused on improving coordination among law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and public health officials. Officials emphasized the importance of such drills in strengthening communication, refining protocols, and ensuring readiness for real-world emergencies.
Auburn women sue city over brain tumors linked to water contamination
A group of Auburn residents has filed a lawsuit against the City of Auburn, alleging that prolonged exposure to contaminated water has led to a cluster of brain tumors and other serious health conditions. The plaintiffs claim that the city’s negligence in maintaining and treating its water supply has exposed residents to dangerous levels of toxins. The lawsuit, filed in Cayuga County Supreme Court, accuses the city of failing to prevent contamination despite knowing that Owasco Lake, the city’s primary water source, has repeatedly been affected by harmful algal blooms and other pollutants since at least 2005.