A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbors:

Although summer felt like it had just begun, fall has officially arrived and the cooler temperatures are already signaling the change in seasons.

This month, I delivered my 2027 Executive Budget to the Legislature. Despite inflation, rising energy costs, and expanding state‑driven mandates, I’m proud to say the county’s financial structure remains strong enough to reduce the property tax rate yet again. This marks the ninth straight year of tax rate reductions - an achievement made possible through years of responsible management, strategic investment, and sustained economic momentum. My budget also calls for continued and expanded investments in children, families, housing, mental health, seniors, food security, tourism, and our infrastructure.

Agriculture is a huge part of our county’s economy – did you know we’re home to over 570 farms? Our annual ON Farm Fest was a huge success this month with more than 10,000 visitors enjoying a free day of fall fun. Stops this year included dairy farms, vineyards, maple producers, horse rescues, orchards, and urban agriculture. It was a beautiful day and I saw lots of social media posts of kids and families having a great time! ON Farm Fest celebrates the diversity of local agriculture and honors the legacy of Harvey Skeele, a longtime champion of farm education.

A milestone of note this month - the Onondaga County War Memorial turned 75 years old, having opened in September 1951. It stands today as a living monument, a place where history, honor, and community converge, continuing to inspire future generations with the enduring truth that freedom is safeguarded by the service of many. Soon, a new Syracuse Crunch season begins, and we wish the team well!

Below you will see even more of the amazing things your county government has been doing this month. As always, it is an honor to serve as your County Executive and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, our country came together to grieve family, friends and strangers. For 25-years, the day has become an annual day for many Americans to remember, reflect, honor and mourn.

We honor and remember those who lost their lives and the countless sacrifices that were made by those who responded to the tragedy that struck our Country on September 11th, 2001. May we never forget.

County Executive McMahon joined Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens, first responders and the community for a special service to remember the lives lost 25-years ago and the courage and sacrifice of all who answered the call on September 11, 2001.

Those gathered observed 17 minutes of silence -- the time between the first and second towers being struck.

25 years later, we remember and honor. We must never forget.

County Executive McMahon Delivers 2027 Executive Budget Address

County Executive McMahon unveiled his 2027 Executive Budget to the legislature.

The 2027 Executive Budget builds upon a foundation of significant progress and demonstrated success. The county's strong financial foundation allows property taxes to be cut for the 9th straight year. Also included are continued and new investments in kids, families, housing, mental health, seniors, food security, tourism, and infrastructure.

County Executive McMahon

Congratulates Loretto on 100 Years!

County Executive McMahon was honored to join Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens in proclaiming "Loretto Recognition Day in Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse" to celebrate 100-years!

For 100 years, Loretto has evolved to meet the changing needs of older adults while staying true to their mission of providing care with purpose, wholeness and dignity.

County Executive McMahon Proclaims "Onondaga County War Memorial Day" on its 75th Anniversary

County Executive McMahon proclaimed it "Onondaga County War Memorial 75th Anniversary Day" in celebration of its opening this week back in 1951.

County Executive McMahon said, The Onondaga County War Memorial stands today as a living monument, a place where history, honor, and community converge, continuing to inspire future generations with the enduring truth that freedom is safeguarded by the service of many."

County Executive McMahon Honors

Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura

County Executive McMahon joined Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens and other local leaders to honor Le Moyne College President Lina LeMura at the naming of "Dr. Linda LeMura Lane, " recognizing her 23 years of service to the college.

In 2014, Dr. Linda LeMura made history as the first female lay person to become president of a Jesuit institution in the United States. Under her leadership, the college has grown and prospered in a variety of ways from elevating its athletics program from Division Two to Division One to making significant infrastructure improvements and investments.

County Executive McMahon Attends

Launch of Barbershop Books

County Executive McMahon joined Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens and other local leaders to celebrate the launch of Barbershop Books at the Betts Branch Library.

Barbershop Books is a nationally recognized literacy initiative founded by Alvin Irby that promotes reading and literacy among children in barbershops and salons. The program provides books, culturally responsive barber training, and branded materials to encourage children, particularly boys, to read for fun and increase access to male role models.



To learn more about Barbershop Books, click below:

ON Farm Fest 2026

On Saturday, September 19th, over 10,000 people attended the 10th annual Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest! ON Farm Fest is a free event that brings the community closer to agriculture through guided tours and hands-on experiences at 12 different farms across Onondaga County. Visitors were treated to everything from wagon rides narrated by farm owners and agriculture experts, lasso lessons and riding lessons to live music and giveaways! This year's participating farms included: Heritage Hill Brewhouse, Navarino Orchard, The Chicken Ranch, Albanese Longhorns, RGB Horses, Dutch Hill Maple, Emmi Farms, Brady Farms, Rocking Horse Farms, Anyela's Vineyard, Tre-G Farms, and Sunshine Horses.

As a part of our Onondaga Grown initiative, ON Farm Fest helps provide agriculture awareness, education and encourages people to support our local agriculture community. Shoutout to everyone who participated! It was a fun and successful day to celebrate the 10^th year! 

Learn more about Onondaga Grown and ON Farm Fest: https://onondagagrown.com/onfarmfest/

Supporting Small Businesses in Onondaga County

Onondaga County offers opportunities & resources for small businesses, so that they can be successful!

The conversation was lively and focused on practical strategies - best business practices, partnership building, networking tips, and insights into grants and funding that can help small businesses move forward.

If you’re interested in learning more about this program or similar ones, please click here to visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website.

The Onondaga County Office of Economic Development also supports small business locally. The Onondaga County Opportunity Fund (OCOF) helps provide financial assistance to businesses located outside the City of Syracuse in Onondaga County and offers three different loan options with a range of low interest rates — Micro-Enterprise Fund, Small Business Assistance Fund and the Community Impact Fund. Businesses must be in operation for at least a year to be eligible. Learn more or apply today by visiting: https://ongoved.com/not-for-profit/ocof/"

Showcasing Employee Creativity

Congratulations to Judy Stauffer of the Onondaga County Law Department, whose creativity will be on display at the Everson Museum of Art as part of this year’s On My Own Time program!

For many years, Onondaga County has proudly joined other local organizations in participating in the program. It’s run by CNY Arts and celebrates creativity in the workplace and the community by showcasing artists from all fields who create their work “on their own time.”

This year marks the first time Judy has participated in On My Own Time. You can see her scarf and all the other creative pieces from October 3^rd to November 8^th at the Everson Museum of Art. Thanks to all the other county employees who participated this year!

New Senior Engagement Programing

Promotes Connection, Wellness & Healthy Aging

The Onondaga County Office for Aging this month hosted a new three‑session Senior Engagement Program, designed to help older adults learn more about technology and how to use it.

Made possible through a partnership with AmeriCU Credit Union, the sessions offered hands‑on, one-on-one help with smartphones, tablets, and other devices, plus lessons on online safety and fraud prevention guidance. Participants even had some fun playing video games – as you can see in the photo!

Initiatives like these support older adults in strengthening social connections, staying mentally active, and feeling more confident as they navigate today’s world.

Every Journey Matters. Every Life Counts. The Onondaga County Department of Planning is in the process of developing a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan to identify ways to make travel safer and reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities throughout the County. The plan will build on the goals of Plan Onondaga County Comprehensive Plan's and the County’s commitment to Vision Zero by recommending actions that support safer travel for all roadway users. 

We want to hear from you! Your feedback matters and is an important part of this process. Responses are anonymous and confidential. To take the survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/816d40d5ff904f16a73bd2a59f5c9684

Learn more about Safe Streets Onondaga Action Plan: https://plan.onondaga.gov/safe-streets-onondaga-action-plan/ 

Labor Day is observed the first Monday in September and is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Rooted in the late 19th century, the holiday honors when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.

To learn more about the history of Labor Day, click below:

September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide as well as raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24 and these rates are increasing.

September 8th is 988 Day, a national initiative to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that can help those struggling with their mental health. First implemented in 2022, the federally mandated crisis number 988 became available to all landline and cell phone users at no charge to provide access to call centers, crisis counseling, resources and referrals.

To learn more about Mental Health Services available in Onondaga County, click below:

Each year National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Throughout history, millions of Hispanic Americans have enriched and strengthened the American way of life through their love of family, leadership and wisdom within our communities.

To learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, click below:

Healthy Aging Month is observed every September to promote positive attitudes toward aging. It was first established in 1992 by Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine, aiming to encourage individuals to take charge of their well-being and lead healthy, fulfilling lives as they age. The initiative emphasizes proactive steps to stay vibrant both physically and mentally.

To learn more about Healthy Aging Month, click below:

September also marks National Preparedness Month. This annual recognition reminds everyone in America how important it is for individuals, families and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.

Our Department of Emergency Management works with partners to promote life safety and property preservation through a cycle of emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

To learn more about the Department of Emergency Management and ways to stay prepared, click below:

For a list of current job openings with Onondaga County, click below:

Thank you to the Syracuse Fire Department and other agencies who responded to a situation at the County Office Building on September 29. There was a small fire in an office area determined to have been caused by workers making piping connections. The fast response by first responders is appreciated, as are their efforts ensuring all workers were safe and in keeping the fire from spreading.

As we look ahead to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Onondaga County Cancer Services wants to remind everyone that getting a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat. Free mammograms are available for women ages 40 to 74 who do not have health insurance. To see if you qualify, call (315) 435-3653 or visit https://onondaga.gov/health/cancer-screening/..