Oswego Daily News

The average temperature for December 2011 was 35.1 degrees. That is 5.4 degrees warmer than average. For the winter (up to the end of December) the total snowfall is 9.5 inches – a whopping 33.5 inches below normal.

Town taxes will drop to $.67 per 1,000. The 2011 rate was $1.25 per 1,000. That means that the average homeowner of a property assessed at $100,000 will pay approximately $67 in 2012, as opposed to $125, according to Town Supervisor Ken Burdick

If current trends continue, the Fulton City School District faces a $5 million gap between the money it will get in aid and taxes and the amount it will need to spend.

A consultant’s report tackled this question: Can that gap be made up by changes in the district’s operations — its busing and buildings?  The simple answer: Not a chance.

INSIDE: See the slides from the consultant’s presentation

Legislator Fred Beardsley (R) was nominated by the Republican majority to take over the position held last year by fellow Republican Barry Leemann, who didn’t seek re-election. He defeated Amy Tresidder (D) in a vote that went mostly along party lines. He said he hopes to continue to find ways to improve the county for all residents.

Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen greeted Doris Allen on Sunday afternoon following his inaugural ceremony in City Hall. It was 60 years ago to the day that Allen was sworn into office as the Port City’s very first woman alderman.

An attempt by the Oswego City School District to add one more period of instructional time appears to be headed back to the bargaining table after the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court rules against the district.

Mayor Thomas W. Gillen says he has a good feeling about Oswego’s future. He pledged to stay focused on the strategic priorities that will make the Port City stronger.

Also in December, the county approved its spending plan for 2012. A former Oswego Common Councilor publishes a book highlighting local Battle of the Bulge veterans. The new tax deal with the nuclear plants is OK’d. And, a World War II veteran finally receives his high school diploma.

Happy New Year !

Also in November, Oswego pauses to remember its veterans. Occupy Oswego group becomes active. A mobile meth lab is discovered and the county moves closer to an agreement with the nuclear power plants.