A Message from the County Executive


Dear Neighbor:


I hope you had an amazing summer and are ready for all the majestic sights that Autumn brings to Onondaga County. September was another exciting month from honoring all the first responders on 9/11, to celebrating the new Amur Tiger exhibit at our world class zoo. Last but certainly not least, I had the honor of presenting my 2024 Executive Budget to the County Legislature.


Below you will find other events, announcements and ribbon cuttings from the past month. There is nothing more enjoyable than getting out in the community to share in our successes and hear from the people who make this county so great.


The momentum is real and the future is bright. I am grateful every day to have the opportunity to serve as your County Executive. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.




Sincerely,


September 2023

County Executive Delivers his 2024 Executive Budget

County Executive McMahon delivering 2024 Executive Budget


The County Executive presented his 2024 $1.5 billion budget to the Onondaga County Legislature on September 15, 2023. The budget continues investments in his PIE platform including initiatives to address poverty, infrastructure, and economic development while delivering a historic property tax cut. 


County Executive McMahon's 2024 budget continues and adds to investments to address LEAD issues facing our neighborhoods, mental health services in our schools, support for infrastructure improvements at Day Care Centers, support for housing improvements, and much more. 


At the same time, the 2024 executive budget delivers on the County Executive's commitment to reducing the property tax burden on our citizens. The budget includes a 15% reduction to the county's property tax rate and will result in an estimated $130 decrease in a homeowner's taxes for a property assessed at $200,000. 


The county's financial position has never been stronger as a result of the County Executive's strong fiscal policies and strategic investments in our people, infrastructure, and projects which stimulate economic activity and drive revenue that funds our government.  


The 2024 budget is scheduled to be adopted by the County Legislature on October 10, 2023. 


 

County Executive McMahon Announces Amur Tiger Cubs Exhibit

County Executive McMahon and Zoo Director Ted Fox announce new Amur Tiger exhibit



County Executive McMahon and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo announced that two Amur tiger cubs, born in late April to mother Zeya, will be viewable to the public in their exhibit on the Wildlife Trail.


The cubs — a male named Zuzaan, and female named Soba (pronounced ‘Zova’) — were born on the morning of April 29. Since then, they have spent the summer in an off-exhibit den with Zeya while they received necessary vaccinations to provide them with immunity to common diseases and infections that they may encounter in their exhibit. While the cubs stayed close to Zeya in the first month of life, they’ve grown more explorative and rambunctious in the past few months and have begun to venture outside of their den to explore the outdoor portion of their home. 


“It is quite a privilege to be able to see not one, but two of these rare tiger cubs at our zoo,” County Executive Ryan McMahon said. “The birth of these special, striped cubs is a big success for our zoo and community, and it's all thanks to the diligence and expertise of the animal care team at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.”


Amur tigers are the largest feline species on Earth, but their population is one of the smallest — the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has determined that less than 400 of these Critically Endangered cats remain in the wild. Along with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) -accredited institutions, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo participates in the Amur tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), which seeks to contribute new generations of genetically diverse Amur tigers to the currently declining population. The goal of all SSPs is to reverse negative population trends of species at risk of extinction, with the goal of one day, potentially taking these animals born in human care and introducing them into the wild.


For more information on the Amur tiger cubs exhibit, please click below:




Amur Tiger Cubs




County Executive McMahon Declares September 10, 2023 as Syracuse Challenger Champions Day!

County Executive Ryan McMahon along with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Syracuse Challenger Baseball to celebrate the team's triumphant return to Central New York. The Challengers Baseball team made history by participating in the Little League World Series on August 25th and 26th, showcasing unparalleled dedication, sportsmanship and teamwork. Their historic debut stands as an inspiring achievement deserving of declaring September 10, 2023, as Syracuse Challengers Champion Day in Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse!


The Syracuse Challenger Baseball League was started in the 1980s by parents in Eastwood and because of their commitment and the vision of those that have managed the league since then, the league has grown to become the largest Challenger League in the US with over 200 children and adults. 


For more information about Syracuse Challenger Baseball, please click below:

Syracuse Challenger Baseball

Syracuse Challenger Baseball Executive Director Dom Cambareri at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA

County Executive McMahon with Syracuse Challenger Baseball Player


County Executive McMahon presenting proclamation declaring it Syracuse Challengers Champion Day in Onondaga County

County Executive McMahon congratulates a Syracuse Challenger Team Member

County Executive gives opening remarks at the CNY Lyme and Tick Conference



County Executive Ryan McMahon was honored to make the opening remarks at the CNY Lyme & Tick Bourne Disease Alliance Conference at the CNY Biotech Accelerator.


The Conference was aimed at healthcare providers, researchers, students, patients and patient advocates with the goal of offering education on how to identify and treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.


Tick-borne diseases are on an alarming rise in New York State. Data from 2008 to 2016 show a 439% increase of diseases in Central New York; 970% increase in the Finger Lakes; and an 817% increase in the Southern Tier.


For more information on these diseases and how to protect yourself, please click below:

Lyme and Tick Information

Andrew McMahon taking part in a tick exhibit


County Executive Delivers Nursing Scholarship Fund Update


County Executive Ryan McMahon visited the Crouse Pomeroy College of Nursing to highlight the Heart of Healthcare Nurse Scholarship Fund. County Executive McMahon has committed $1.5 million in tuition and other related expenses to help alleviate the local nursing shortage. Over 100 students attending local nursing schools were the recipients of the first round of scholarships.


County Executive Ryan McMahon, "This is an important collaboration and workforce development initiative and we’re looking forward to expanding the number of nursing students who are eligible for the next round of funding."


For more information on how to apply, Please click below:



 


Heart of Healthcare Scholarship

County Executive Announces Newest O-CHIP Recipients


County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the latest recipients of the Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program (O-CHIP). In total, the county program is helping fund the construction of nearly 400 new market-rate housing units, covering a wide range of renters and buyers. The O-CHIP program has $10,000,000 available to be awarded to private sector and nonprofit developers to assist in closing funding gaps and stimulate investment in new construction.


County Executive McMahon said, "The primary goal was to ensure that we took a holistic approach to address the housing demand, but just as important, investing in a diversity of housing options to accommodate the current and future demand,” he said. “Especially right now, because of the lack of inventory, rents are increasing at rapid rates. While growth is good, we do need to create levels of affordability.”


For more information on the O-CHIP Program/Application, Please click below:



O-CHIP Website

County Executive Helps Cut the Ribbon on New Affordable Homes


County Executive Ryan McMahon celebrated the completion of four tiny homes on Syracuse's southwest side that will soon become affordable and energy efficient housing for individuals facing homelessness. Poverty and homelessness have been a critical component of the County Executives P.I.E Initiative (Poverty, Infrastructure and Economic Development)


Along with Onondaga County, the City of Syracuse and National Grid, this project was made possible by A Tiny Home for Good. A Tiny Home for Good is a small local company with a mighty mission to end homelessness. They build quality homes on vacant lots or renovate derelict properties in the City of Syracuse. Each unit is rented to one individual who has faced homelessness.


If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please visit:


https://www.atinyhomeforgood.org




County Executive McMahon Speaks at the opening of the new Syracuse Fire Department Training Tower

County Executive McMahon and Mayor Walsh Proclaim Sept 18-24 Diaper Need Awareness Week in an effort to ensure families have the basic necessities

Ribbon Cutting for Grand Opening of J.W. Didado in the Town of Clay

County Executive McMahon joins Pastor Draper for a Community Update

County Executive McMahon speaking at Camillus Senior Center

County Executive McMahon visits with Seniors in Baldwinsville

County Executive McMahon hosts a Senior Forum in the Town of Salina


We Will Never Forget


County Executive Ryan McMahon along with Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds pay respect to the brave men and woman who gave their lives on that solemn day 22-years ago at 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Forman Park.

 


County Executive McMahon and Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds

County Executive McMahon lights candle in remembrance


Extreme Makeover: Onondaga County

Fall Edition

The following revitalization efforts throughout the county were made possible by the County Executive's Municipal Grant, Main Street and Community Development Block Grant Programs.

Town of Pompey


The Town of Pompey completed necessary repairs for its Highway team and Town Offices.


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Town of LaFayette


The LaFayette Fire Department recently unveiled a brand new sign and other upgrades.


Town of Geddes


The Town of Geddes has put a fresh face upon their "Town Gateways".

Village of Baldwinsville


Upgrades to properties in the Village of Baldwinsville.

Free Recycle Electronic Waste Event in Clay



10-14-23: 4155 NY-31 Clay, NY 13041

If you are looking to get rid of outdated, unusable electronics, then this recycling event is for you! Dispose of your electronic devices safely and eco-friendly at the SUNNKING e-Recycling Event. Stay in your vehicle, drive-through, and Sunnking team members will unload your items. 


Please Click below for more information and how to register:

Free E-Recycling Event

2023 Onondaga County Free Rabies Shot Clinic

Free rabies vaccination clinics for pet owners of dogs, ferrets, and cats. Owners are required to keep pets on a leash or in a carrier and bring their pet's past rabies shot records.


2023 clinics are being held as socially-distanced drive-thru events.


Go online to register: 

https://ochdrabiesclinic.as.me/schedule.php


NYS Public Health Law requires that all puppies and kittens get their first rabies shot at 3 months of age. They also need to get a booster shot at one year old, and again every three years.

 

Eligibility: Onondaga County residents with dogs, ferrets, and/or cats

Application Process: Go online to schedule an appointment or click below:

Required Documentation: Current rabies certificate (if available)

Fees: Voluntary donations accepted

Onondaga County

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Office of the County Executive

14th Floor John H. Mulroy Civic Center

Phone: 315-435-3516


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