<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=31j0Oz_0vlcgiAP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=31j0Oz_0vlcgiAP00" width="840" height="630" ><figcaption>Scott Willis / WAER News The Onondaga County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee meets Sept. 26, 2024.</figcaption></figure>Onondaga County lawmakers are a step closer to agreeing on the next county budget. The Ways and Means Committee approved a handful of adjustments Thursday that maintain the county executive’s low tax levy. Committee chair Colleen Gunnip says the $1.5 billion spending plan is quite lean.“There was a couple of different programs that we've been funded in the past that we felt like the funding still needed to be there," Gunnip said. "Whether it's for additional lead safety, cultural programs, those are important still to the community. So I don't think there was any fluff in there.”The committee added small amounts for Agriculture Council marketing and Juneteenth.Democratic floor leader Chris Ryan says it’s certainly not the final revision to the budget and a few additional items may need to be considered.“After my 13th year, this is probably the shortest Ways and Means report that I’ve had," Ryan said. “It just means that a lot wasn't included and whether or not we pivot and put those in as budget amendments, we'll see.”The initial changes include funding for four additional full-time positions at the board of elections, and more than doubling the county executive’s allotment for sheriff’s vehicles. Legislator Ryan says the additional $400,000 goes a long way toward replacing patrol cars.“It prevents us from getting behind the eight ball and it keeps us on track with refreshing these as we go along so they don't get too far behind," Ryan said. "Maintenance is a big issue and mileage is a big issue, they put a ton of miles on these vehicles.”The sheriff told county lawmakers last week that it’s more efficient to replace vehicles before they get too expensive to maintain and have little resale value. A public hearing is Thursday Oct. 3 and the legislature takes a final vote on Oct. 8.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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County legislature committee approves minor changes to budget

Onondaga County lawmakers are a step closer to agreeing on the next county budget. The Ways and Means Committee approved a handful of adjustments Thursday that maintain the county executive’s low tax levy. Committee chair Colleen Gunnip says the $1.5 billion spending plan is quite lean. “There was a...