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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, December 5, 2024
Volume 17, No. 6
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Treasurer Virginia Lee Provides Clarification on City Budget By MONICA CALZOLARI
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ONEONTA he City of Oneonta manages a $20 million budget and oversees up to 205 employees when fully staffed. Staff vacancies have been a source of savings, according to officials. The 2025 tentative budget—set to be voted on on Tuesday, December 3—shows a deficit of $1.68 million. That deficit has been a controversial subject of debate at Common Council meetings since July. Using a surplus of unrestricted funds is proposed to balance the budget. The city’s major sources of revenue are taxes and state aid. Wages and benefits represent 70.57 percent of the 2025 general expenses. New sources of revenue are needed, officials said. Raising taxes or introducing paid parking have been unpopular possible sources of additional revenue at Common Council meetings. Cutting essential services is equally unpopular. Common Council members often debates these issues for three to four hours when they meet. The 2025 budget documents can be found on the city’s website, in full transparency. The 2025 budget is 92 pages long. Public Safety’s payroll and fringe benefits constitute $9,296,375, or 64 percent, of the general fund payroll and fringe benefits costs. Public Safety is comprised of the city’s Police, Fire and Code Enforcement departments. Virginia Lee, director of finance, provided the following employee counts via e-mail on Sunday, November 24. The figures below represent a percentage of INSIDE ► nEW fEATURES ENHANCE vINTAGE MANSION, page 2 ► PROGRAM SEES FOOD AS MEDICINE, page 3 ► tHE hEROISM OF SHOPPING LOCAL, page 4 ► dISPELLING OUR FEAR OF nUCLEAR ENERGY, page 6 ► HELIOS hONORS iTS CAREGIVERS, page 5 ► WATER STREET BIZ MORE ACCESSIBLE, page 6 ► CUDMORES SET TO SIGN BOOKS, page 9 ► cALENDAR, page 12 Follow Breaking News On
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the 141 full-time employee count: • Police: 32 employees, or 22.69 percent • Fire: 28 employees, or 19.86 percent • Code Enforcement: six employees, or 4.26 percent In total, Public Safety employs 66 workers, or 46.81 percent of all city employees. Public Safety is considered an essential service. There are four unions protecting the rights of these public servants. The mayor’s annual salary is $15,000.00. Common Council members earn $8,000.00 per year. Prior to a salary increase effective January 1, 2024, the mayor earned $12,000.00 per year and council members were paid $7,000.00 annually. City officials are proposing to pay for the budget deficit by raising propContinued on page 10
Photo provided
Gingerbread creations like the one above, by the Clarvoe family, are on display at Hartwick’s Kinney Memorial Library. Members of the public can vote for their favorites on Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Works Together To Plan Holiday Weekend Photo by Monica Calzolari
Virginia Lee is the City of Oneonta’s Director of Finance.
Oberacker Kicks Off Winter Coat Drive
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leading up to Santa’s 6 p.m. arrival at Town Hall. Among HARTWICK the highlights on roving that Saturday, December community 7 are a visit from trumps politSanta at Creek Side ical adversity, and Station via trolley at that Hartwick truly 11 a.m., horse-drawn is the heart of Otsego winter wagon rides, County, the hamlet of and voting for the Hartwick is gearing Hartwick Historical up for what orgaSociety’s gingerbread nizers promise will be house entries. a magical Christmas “We had eight holiday celebraparticipants in this Photo provided tion this weekend. first-ever attempt,” Julie’s Garden is holding a holiday In true keeping with sale in conjunction with “Holidays said Hartwick the holiday spirit, the in the Hamlet of Hartwick,” featur- Historical Society event flier encourages ing live wreaths, arts and crafts, and Secretary Marcy residents to “place a more. “Make your season shine,” said Birch of the gingercandle in your home’s owner Julie Schorer. bread house contest. window to shine the “Not bad, and we’re hoping to grow light of peace, hope, and joy to your the event.” neighbors and all passersby.” Birch also encouraged folks to stop The festivities for “Holidays in the by the library to view the historical Hamlet of Hartwick” begin on Friday, society’s holiday display. “It speaks to the history of Christmas December 6 at 4 p.m. with two holiday artisan fairs and a slate of activities at in our area, and the history of many Continued on page 6 Hartwick’s Kinney Memorial Library, By DARLA M. YOUNGS
OTSEGO COUNTY tate Senator Peter Oberacker, Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. and Angel Network of Cooperstown President Laurie Williams have formally announced the start of the First Annual Senate District 51 Winter Coat Drive in Otsego County. According to a press release issued Monday, December 2, this initiative is part of a district-wide effort to ensure no one must face the winter season unprepared. “As we approach the holidays, it’s a time to reflect on our blessings and give back to those in need,” said Senator Oberacker. “This coat drive is a way for our community to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors. A warm coat can mean so much, especially during this festive, yet often difficult, season.” The coat drive encourages donations of new or Continued on page 10
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
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