OSWEGO – The Oswego County Legislature welcomed a new member to their body at the beginning of Thursday’s May 11 meeting; newly appointed Legislator Paul Connelly taking his oath of office as he replaces former Legislator Tim Stahl’s seat. Connelly will represent the Town of Oswego (District 20). Supreme Court Justice Greg Gilbert administered Connelly’s oath of office Thursday. Oswego County Chairman James Weatherup congratulated Connelly as he took his new seat.
At last months April 13 Legislative meeting, Stahl was newly appointed as Oswego County Director of Community Development, Planning and Tourism. Weatherup and the body took a few minutes to recognize Stahl’s hard work and efforts while serving on the Legislature.
“Let’s just take a quick moment to recognize former Legislator Stahl – more than seven years in office, Tim has certainly made his mark on this legislative body. As the Chair of the Economic Development Planning Committee, Tim has spearheaded a number of priority projects to improve Oswego County,” Weatherup said. “We’re thrilled that he has joined us fulltime to lead economic development planned projects as we prepare for the arrival of Micron and others.”
Also recognized during the May 11 meeting was Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Tina Bourgeois, as she retires from the Oswego County Health Department after 30 years of service.
Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor congratulated Bourgeois on her retirement, praising her hard work and dedication to the department.
“Tina, you know how I feel about you – you are amazing. The service and dedication that you have shown to this community is second to none. I wish you the best in your next chapter, and thank you from everyone and the community,” Dunsmoor said.
Other proclamations made during the meeting include the following:
- Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
- Older American Month
- Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
- National Foster Parent Appreciation Month
During the regular session of the meeting, a resolution that would change Oswego County Local Law No. 2 – allowing volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to receive a real property tax exemption was pulled, until proper revisions could be made allowing for an improved tax outcome for eligible recipients.
A resolution “Opposing S6282 Eliminating Probation Fees” was unanimously passed by the Legislature. According to the legislative agenda, proposed New York State Bill S6282 would allow the elimination of probation fees required by convicted offenders to pay, as they are put on a term of probation. Oswego County Resolution PS-4 calls upon the Governor and the NYS Legislature to reject S6282.
Another item passed during Thursdays meeting was Resolution FP-6: Resolution Relative to a Home Rule Request. The request is asking New York State to continue a Home Rule 1% tax allotment that has been in place over the past few years.
According to the legislative agenda, it says, “this is not a request to approve an additional tax, but to simply maintain the current rate. Since its initial adoption, sales tax has been used to lower or minimize Oswego County property taxes…in 2004 the generic property tax rate was at a high of $9.20 per thousand dollars of assessed value. This year the generic tax rate is $6.19.” The resolution was passed.
All items of the agenda were passed, except for two resolutions that were pulled for further revisions. All County Legislative meetings are held the second Thursday of every month, the next meeting to be held on June 15 at 7:00 p.m. To view the full agenda, please click here.
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