Natalie Kouterick

The committee reviewed the status of various economic development and planning projects, including tourism updates regarding the America 250 program, train viewing arrangements, and the Susquehanna Heritage Area Arts and Culture Strategic Master Plan. Financial and grant updates covered the status of several active programs, including the Vacant Rental Program, various CDBG-funded initiatives, and infrastructure improvements such as the Owego Police Station window replacement. Additionally, discussions were held regarding redevelopment projects, local planning and zoning reviews, sustainability management including debris plans and e-waste collection, and organizational restructuring of Southern Tier 8.

The board discussed new business, including site plan reviews and special use permits for commercial projects. Specific items included the review of an equipment storage garage construction in the Town of Owego and a request for a farm store in the Town of Nichols. Additionally, local representatives provided various reports on municipal activities, and staff presented updates on ongoing economic development projects, grants, and planning initiatives.

The public hearing focused on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project related to the Fiscal Year 2024 Microenterprise Assistance Program. Discussions covered the program's purpose of providing financial assistance and professional training to businesses with five or fewer employees, eligibility requirements for low to moderate income business owners, and the allocation of funds for start-up businesses. An update on current expenditures for direct assistance, program delivery, and administration was provided, along with a list of businesses awarded funds. Additionally, the hearing addressed the status of project completions and the submission of a renewal application for additional funding.

The committee reviewed operational updates and departmental reports regarding emergency services, probation, and law enforcement. Key discussion topics included the status of hazard mitigation plans, responses to recent emergency incidents such as a major ice jam and a natural gas fire, and the administration of various grants. The Probation Department provided detailed updates on the 'Raise the Age' legislation implementation, the integration of new substance abuse treatment programs through COTI partnerships, and juvenile delinquency data. The Sheriff's Office reported on personnel adjustments, the successful acquisition of a legislative grant to procure a prisoner transport vehicle, and ongoing facility projects.

The committee reviewed the year-to-date budget performance, noting revenue from IDA payments. There was a discussion on 2022 tax collection progress and a comparative analysis of sales tax revenue, highlighting a significant increase attributed to inflation and local spending trends. Motor fuel tax collections were reviewed, noting impacts from rising fuel prices. The Treasurer's Office Annual Report for 2021 was shared, reflecting a strong revenue year with increases in sales tax and surplus from foreclosures. Additionally, the status of a 2010 Recovery Act bond payment was noted.