WCDO Radio News

Fishing and hunting bring a stream of cash to New York’s economy, generating the 2nd highest expenditures in any state at approximately $5 billion, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Nearly two million people fish, hunt or trap in New York, Fishing is the most popular, with two-thirds of New York participants fishing exclusively, followed by 28 percent who fish and hunt and nine percent who hunt only. Nearly $1.9 billion was spent on trip-related purchases including transportation, lodging and food.

Free Income Tax certification training starts January 4th in Delhi, for Delaware County residents familiar with computer use. The Delaware County Office for the Aging helps prepare taxes for about 400 elderly each year, those interested in the tax preparer positions need to sign up now in order to start the training in January. More information is available at 363-7303.

Governor Cuomo announced an agreement with state leaders on last minutes issues, as lawmakers wrap up the 2015 legislative session.

(Cuomo 6-24-15)

Cuomo said that the state leaders will meet with their conferences regarding these last minute issues, he said that the property tax rebates were important as many New Yorkers acknowledge that property taxes are the top reason that people look to leave the state.

Another free Chenango County Rabies clinic will be held today. The clinic will run from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the firehouse in New Berlin, more information is available at 337-1673.

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee announced that resources are available to help young people stay safe as graduation season gets into full swing including free toolkits to help young drivers, and a brand new website recently launched by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) that gives parents the tools to talk to their children about the risks of underage drinking. For more information about the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and its partners, visit www.safeny.ny.gov.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will hold their next meeting today at the Oneonta Holiday Inn at 7:00 PM. Residents of the town & city of Oneonta are encouraged to attend; the topic is the possible savings in taxes by consolidating the town of Oneonta into the City of Oneonta.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council announced that they would hold their next meeting on Monday June 22nd, at the Oneonta Holiday Inn at 7:00 PM. Residents of the town & city of Oneonta are encouraged to attend; the topic is the possible savings in taxes by consolidating the town of Oneonta into the City of Oneonta.

The Chenango County Sheriff's summer camp will start on July 6th. Applications can be picked up at the Sheriff's Office or online at www.chenangosheriff.us. The camp is free to all Chenango County children ages 9 to 12, more information is available at 334-5175 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced that they are seeking funding to help acquire & give away Bicycle helmets to children whose family may not be able to afford one. Since 1999 the Sheriff’s safety program has acquired & given out 4000 free bike helmets, more information is available by calling the sheriff’s department at 746-2336.

New York’s IDA’s provided $660 million in net tax exemptions in 2013, up $105 million from 2012 but estimated job gains were nearly 23,000 lower than the previous year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report found that, despite this weakening growth in jobs, the state’s 109 active IDA's provided $1.38 billion in total tax exemptions in 2013. The exemptions were partially offset by $723 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes, leaving the total net exemptions for the year at $660 million – an increase of $105 million, or 19% from 2012. DiNapoli has also renewed his call for improvements to IDA oversight and accountability. A copy of the report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

New York collected $149.1 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2014-15, an increase of $11.4 billion, or 8.3% from the prior year, largely because of one-time financial settlements and a boost in federal aid, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The state collected more than $71 billion in taxes, Business tax collections of $8.5 billion. The state received $48.6 billion in federal grants, which were used primarily for Medicaid, homeland security, public welfare and education.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group is hosting their annual Spring Street Team Cleanup Day this weekend on May 16th. The Group is looking for volunteers to help with cleaning the streets of trash and light debris in and around the Hamlet; they will provide free t-shirts, a full lunch, prizes and all cleanup supplies. A large dumpster will be on site for residents to dispose of trash.

More dates that have just been added for the "My Free Taxes” program by appointment only on Saturdays of March 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Delhi Branch of Sidney Federal Credit Union. Cheri Albrecht of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties explains:

(Cheri Albrecht 3-6-15)

Locations will be in Delhi & Oneonta, all appointments can be made at 432-0061.

State Senator Jim Seward announced the launch of an on-line petition drive in support of his initiative to cut New York’s gas tax. Seward stated that New York consumers are faced with gas taxes that add up to approximately 63-cents a gallon. Senator Seward’s petition to “Cut The Gas Tax” can be found on his website, senatorjimseward.com.

Today is "National Go Red For Women Day", to kick off the month long Heart Month awareness program. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women according to the American Heart Association. Locally, to kick off Heart Month, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will have a display of free information and awareness items in the cafeteria; donations may also be made to the local American Heart Association Heart Walk.

The Delaware county board of supervisors announced this week that new County Recycling center is running debt free as the county received grants. The success at the county recycling center follows another success story with the county compost facility generating revenue generated by the facility exceeded initial expectations, according to County Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 1-9-15)

McIntyre said that Delaware County has traditionally acted ahead of the curve on recycling and composting issues, which helped lead to the higher revenue.

The Disabled American Veterans chapter #200 of Oneonta will be hosting a discussion on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder free Monday night. Chapter Secretary & Treasurer Mike Alvin explains:

(Mike Alvin 1-9-15)

The discussion will begin at 7:00 PM Monday night at the Oneonta veterans club at 279 Chestnut Street; more information is available at 437-2028.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 41-year-old Amy Rezmerski of Binghamton for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana & speeding. The arrest was made after a vehicle stop for speeding over 80 miles an hour on I-88 in Otego, After detecting the odor of marihuana, the Trooper searched the vehicle and found 2 grams. Rezmerski was released after being issued tickets returnable to the Town of Otego Court on January 29th.

Municipalities and school districts face growing challenges to keep pace with increasing costs, according to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Annual Report on Local Governments. Property tax levy growth has slowed over the past several years, from 7.7% in 2003 to 2% increase in the fiscal year ending in 2013. Local government revenues increased in counties sales taxes in upstate counties was only 1.7%