OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup today posted his monthly video update for the county.
In the video today, Monday, April 18, Weatherup discussed several items, including this month’s legislative meeting, the Jordan Brooks case, and upcoming events.
As there is no ASL translator in the video, the full transcript can be read here.
He began by discussing this month’s legislative meeting, during which the legislature approved two resolutions to raise the qualifying income limits for partial property tax exemptions for both low-income homeowners aged 65 and over, and for low-income households for qualified people with disabilities.
“Raising the income ceiling and updating the sliding income scale allows more households to be eligible for a partial exemption,” Weatherup said. “The sliding income scale will begin at $29,000 or less for a 50% exemption and go to the maximum $37,400 for a 5% exemption. These changes will take effect next year. Qualified households need to apply by March 1, 2023 to see the change on their assessment rolls beginning July 1. When county tax bills come out the following January, they will then reflect the exemption.”
Another resolution passed allows the county to apply for a state grant through the 2020 CARES Act totaling $1 million to provide housing for farm workers.
Weatherup then said there will be a public hearing on Thursday, May 12, at 2 p.m. in the legislative chambers of the legislative building, 46 E. Bridge St. in Oswego. The public hearing is in regards to a proposed amendment to county law to allow and regulate all-terrain vehicle operation on certain portions of some county roads.
“Opening these roads is necessary for ATVs to access and connect to the trail networks,” Weatherup said. “ It promotes recreational opportunities that will help stimulate the local economy and offer enjoyment to residents and tourists traveling in the area.”
He also talked about the Oswego County Agricultural District adding six more properties this year and the county recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Weatherup then moved on to discussing the Jordan Brooks case.
“We held a series of special meetings in the last month to discuss the tragic loss of Jordan Brooks and call for a plan of action following the arrest of his parents for their role in his death,” Weatherup said.
During the special legislative meeting Friday, April 1, the legislature passed resolutions to hire attorney Scott Iseman of Saratoga Springs, New York, and the Bonadio Group of Syracuse, to conduct independent investigations.
“Once the criminal proceedings are concluded, attorney Iseman will investigate the facts and circumstances regarding the response and handling of all reports about Jordan’s case by our Department of Social Services,” Weatherup said. “The Bonadio Group – which is familiar with NYS Social Services Law and NYS Office of Children and Family Services regulations – will conduct a review of DSS to identify its response actions, trends, strengths and weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Moving forward, we will let these investigations show us the facts, which will help determine our next steps.”
Weatherup then moved on to discussing COVID-19, recapping last week’s report of rising case counts and the county’s status of “high” COVID-19 community level for the third week in a row at the time of last Monday’s report.
He reminded residents that the health department incorporates COVID-19 vaccines into its regular immunization clinic schedule at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic in Oswego. The schedule can be found here.
He also issued a reminder for two upcoming dates – the first “History on Tap” of the year will be Wednesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at G.S. Steamer’s in Oswego. The free event will focus on gathering ideas and interest from the public in celebrating the U.S’s 250th anniversary.
Earth Day will be Friday, April 22.
“Whether it’s for the day, the month, or all year-long, let’s work together to keep our natural resources pristine, for our own recreation and for others’ enjoyment too,” Weatherup said.
Lastly, he said the “Tourism Tip of the Week” is to explore the nature trails the county has to offer. For a list of trails, see here.
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