A Message from the County Executive
Dear Neighbor:
June proved to be another exciting month in Onondaga County! This month I had the honor of welcoming the New York State Fire Chiefs back to Onondaga County for their annual conference. Conferences like these are a vital piece of our local economy and my administration works closely with the team at Visit Syracuse to make sure that our County hosts more of them and take advantage of the tremendous spending power they provide, especially for our small businesses.
It's no secret that the hospitality and tourism industry continues to lag in their comeback from the 100-year pandemic. That is why my administration recently announced a Hospitality and Tourism Support Fund to aid those in this vital industry as they continue to weather the economic fallout of the last two and a half years.
Our world-class zoo welcomed two baby Amur tiger cubs! We have a tremendous team at the zoo that works tirelessly to provide the best experience possible for visitors, as well as high quality care for the animals. I encourage everyone to check out what's new at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
My administration continued its work of providing property tax relief to local residents. We recently announced two pieces of legislation - one which would expand the number of volunteer first responders eligible for a property tax exemption and the second piece of legislation would change the income qualifications for the Senior STAR Property Tax Exemption to allow more of our seniors to qualify which will allow them to stay in their home.
In the newsletter below you will read about many other important investments that my administration continues to make in our people and our future. I always enjoy having the opportunity to speak with local groups and organizations to share our story, but also get their feedback.
It is an honor every day to serve as your County Executive and my team and I will continue to do everything we can to ensure that Onondaga County is the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Sincerely,
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County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces Amur Tiger Gives Birth to Cubs
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is proud to announce the birth of two Amur tiger cubs, a critical milestone in the conservation of this rare species. The cubs, one male and one female, were born to mother Zeya and father Thimbu. Amur tigers are native to the Amur region of northeastern China and Siberia. Their population is estimated to be less than 400, making them one of the rarest species of large cats in the world.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "The birth of these tiger cubs is a triumph of conservation and demonstrates the expertise and commitment of the animal care specialists at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. These are some of the rarest big cats on Earth, and it is a privilege to have an institution in our community that is qualified to provide the complex care that this species requires."
For more information on these beautiful cubs, other new arrivals and upcoming events, please click below:
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Onondaga County Hosts the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs
County Executive Ryan McMahon welcomed the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs to Onondaga County for their annual conference. A huge congratulations to Syracuse Fire Department Chief Michael Monds for receiving the Career Fire Chief of the Year Award.
The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is a not-for-profit, service oriented organization founded in 1904 by 60 chiefs from across the state who were interested in sharing mutual concerns and solutions for the benefit of the fire service. Today, it is one of the largest fire chief associations in the world.
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UPDATE: Property Tax Relief for Volunteer First Responders
This past January County Executive Ryan McMahon was joined by members of the County Legislature at the Marcellus Fire Station to announce legislation which would provide tax relief for volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers as a small token of appreciation to honor the selfless acts they perform daily. The legislation initially required the applicant to have 5-years of active service. After further consultation with our first responder community and members of the legislature, it was decided that current requirement of 5-years of active service could and should be revised to 2-years.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "We will never be able to sufficiently thank those in our community who step up and volunteer to be firefighters or ambulance workers. The work they do every day to keep us safe cannot be overstated and this legislation is just a very small way to show our appreciation."
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Village of North Syracuse Community Center Hosts County Executive
County Executive Ryan McMahon had the pleasure of speaking at the North Syracuse Community Center Senior Luncheon where he shared the historic investments and progress being made in Onondaga County. It is always great to share the unprecedented momentum with members of the community and to hear their feedback as well! While there the County Executive had the opportunity to view recently completed flooring renovations made possible through an Onondaga County Community Development Block Grant. If your community group would like to host the County Executive, please contact our office at (315) 435-3516 or e-mail us by clicking below:
E-mail Request
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County Executive Announces Legislation to Provide Additional Property Tax Relief for Onondaga County Seniors
County Executive Ryan McMahon announced he will advance legislation to change the income qualifications for the Senior STAR Property Tax Exemption, providing thousands of Onondaga County seniors with greater property tax relief. The current qualifications allow for a senior making $29,000 or less to receive a 50% exemption. On a sliding scale, a senior could make up to $37,399 which would qualify them for a 5% exemption. Under the proposed legislation, those income limits would change the income to receive a 50% exemption to $50,000 and a sliding scale of up to $58,399 for a 5% exemption. Please click on chart below to view the proposed change.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "My administration has worked tirelessly to lower the property tax rate for all residents of Onondaga County. In fact, since I joined county government we have cut property taxes nearly 30%. My administration is also keenly aware of the rising costs that are hitting local families, especially our seniors. That is why we were proud to provide qualifying seniors with a stimulus payment last year and why I am proud to announce this legislation which will provide additional and much needed breathing room for our local seniors on their property tax bill."
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Moving Up Day
County Executive Ryan McMahon had the honor of being the guest speaker in the Westhill School District at Cherry Road Elementary for the 4th Grade Moving Up Day. The County Executive shared some words of wisdom, wished the students continued success in 5th grade at Onondaga Hill Middle School and encouraged them to enjoy a great summer!
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County Executive Speaks to Municipal Electric Utilities Association
The Municipal Electric Utilities Association of New York hosted County Executive Ryan McMahon at their Semi-Annual Conference. Topic's discussed included: Onondaga County's inclusive, bottoms up approach to economic development and the potential for every member of the community to take advantage of the Micron investment.
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Hard Hats with Heart
County Executive Ryan McMahon, along with the Syracuse Build Team, attended the 5th annual Hard Hats with Heart event at the Embassy Suites Syracuse Destiny USA location. The American Heart Association is working with the construction industry to help build a world of people living longer, healthier lives. The event raised nearly $50,000 and brought nearly 100 construction industry leaders and workers together to help fight heart disease and stroke.
For more information about this great cause, please click below:
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County Executive Announces Hospitality Tourism Support Initiative
County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that the application process is now open for the Hospitality Tourism Support Initiative. The one-million-dollar fund is intended to provide direct funding in the form of a grant to the hospitality industry in an effort to help stabilize and support our local hospitality and tourism infrastructure. Funding is available exclusively for capital improvements.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "A core piece of our local economy is the tourism and hospitality industry. Onondaga County has become known nationally as a leisure stay destination and it's more critical than ever, that we help this industry recover and grow. These funds will help our local business owners make necessary, and often vital, capital upgrades to their properties and Onondaga County is proud to be a partner in that effort."
Interested applicants can click below for more information:
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New Catholic Charities Men's Shelter
Deputy County Executive for Human Services Ann Rooney was on hand for the opening of the new Catholic Charities Men's Shelter located at 1801 Erie Blvd. East. Onondaga County was proud to have been a partner in the funding of the new 80-bed shelter which also includes onsite physical and mental health services, a culinary training program and six apartments for those most vulnerable.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "From day one my administration has worked tirelessly to address the issue of poverty in our community. We believe that poverty should be a temporary moment in time for someone and we must provide the resources to help make that a reality. That wouldn't be possible without critical partners like Catholic Charities and I thank them for their unwavering partnership and congratulate them on the opening of this new and important resource for some of the most vulnerable in our community."
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Onondaga County Summer Reading Kick Off
County Executive Ryan McMahon along with some special friends helped kick off Summer Reading 2023 in Onondaga County at the Mundy Branch Library. Over 32 libraries are participating in the "All Together Now" summer reading program. The theme is woven through events and targets kids of all ages.
For more information, please click below:
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County Executive Announces Collaboration Between OCIDA and Habitat for Humanity
County Executive Ryan McMahon announced a collaboration between the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) and Habitat for Humanity. The goal of this partnership is to deconstruct homes on Burnet Road in the Town of Clay in preparation for pending Micron construction. The used building materials will be repurposed to support Habitat for Humanity in its mission to provide home ownership opportunities for low-income families.
“This is a great partnership where Habitat for Humanity, which does great work across the board, will be able to deconstruct some of these properties, take some of those assets, repurpose those and give those assets new life and a new home," said County Executive Ryan McMahon
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Onondaga Grown Kickoff Campaign
County Executive Ryan McMahon joined members of the Onondaga County Agriculture Council for the annual Onondaga Grown Kickoff Campaign. The campaign's mission is to connect the community with the 600+ farms in our County and runs from June through October. Through radio, TV, and social media, you'll hear about the agricultural goodness grown right here in Onondaga County and where to find it at local farms, farmers markets, grocers, retailers and restaurants.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "Onondaga County Farmers work hard each day to produce nutritious, high-quality food. Our goal with the Onondaga Grown program is to encourage the community to choose these amazing local grown products. Choosing local impacts us all in positive ways: we keep dollars local, we support 600+ farm families in Onondaga County and we can all be confident that we're bringing the very best food to our tables."
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Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom and honor the history and culture of enslaved peoples, commemorating how far we we've come in the pursuit of justice and equity while recognizing how far we still have to go.
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Congratulations to our Local State Champions
"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
Vince Lombardi
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Baldwinsville's Solomon Holden-Betts wins 3,000 Meter Steeplechase State Title
Baldwinsville's Logan Hayes, Jack McAllister, Jeff Ragonese and Solomon Holden-Betts win 4x800 Meter Relay State Championship
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Skaneateles Girls Lacrosse Team Win 5th State Championship in School History | | |
C-NS Track Star Kate Putman Won State Championship's in the 800-Meter and 1500-Meter Runs | | |
Liverpool's Allie Cary captured the Division 1 Discus State Championship | | |
Baldwinsville Boy's Lacrosse Team Wins Back to Back State Championships! | | |
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Jazz in the City
For more information, please click below:
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Time Out to Fish
This long-running program offers individuals and small groups with special needs, senior citizens, grandparents and grandchildren, veterans and their families, the opportunity to enjoy a session of catch and release fishing.
Participants are encouraged to supply their own bait, tackle and rods, while a small amount of equipment is available to use. A fishing license is not required, however, advance registration is.
For more information, please click below:
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Onondaga Public Library Summer Reading Program | |
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For more information or to Register/Login, please click below:
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Office of the County Executive
14th Floor John H. Mulroy Civic Center
Phone: 315-435-3516
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