For the first time in recent memory, the Oakfield school budget has failed to pass. Many in our community are surprised– asking, How did we get here?
Some are pointing fingers at the recent capital improvement project. The new track and turf field, in particular, has sparked heated debate: Do we really need it?
Those conversations are valid. But let’s be clear: the track and turf have nothing to do with why the budget went over the tax cap.
To understand that, we need to shift our focus to a different player in this story– one that’s been quietly pulling strings behind the scenes: the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).
And make no mistake: they want to remain hidden from view.
The GCEDC operates like a puppeteer– it manages deals and steers outcomes from the shadows. They only step into the spotlight when it’s on their terms– when the press is good, the ribbon is cut, and the headlines praise their “economic development.” But when the consequences of their decisions come to bear? When school budgets fail and communities feel the strain? They melt back into the darkness, leaving others to face the fallout.
The Hidden Impact of STAMP
STAMP sits on land within the Oakfield-Alabama school district. That means when companies move in, the district should benefit from the added tax revenue.
But big corporations don’t operate like regular residents. They often receive hefty tax breaks, negotiated by development agencies like the GCEDC. These are called PILOTs– Payments in Lieu of Taxes.
Recently, one STAMP company in particular– Edwards Vacuum– was given a PILOT. That means instead of paying traditional property taxes, they paid a negotiated amount to the school.
And here’s where it starts to unravel.
Why PILOTs Hurt Schools
PILOT payments are counted in state funding formulas as if the school received normal tax revenue. On paper, they make a district look wealthier than it really is.
But these PILOT payments don’t come with the same flexibility, and because the school appears to have more revenue, it’s restricted in how much it can raise through taxes– even if operating costs, inflation, or student needs necessitate more.
This is exactly what happened in Oakfield.
The PILOT payment from Edwards Vacuum inflated Oakfield’s “wealth” on paper. As a result, even after cutting staff and reducing class sizes, the district couldn’t raise the funds it actually needed– without going over the tax cap.
Then, when voters saw a budget that exceeded that cap, at a time when families are already struggling with rising costs of living, it didn’t sit well– and the vote failed.
A Statewide Pattern — Enabled by Albany
What’s happening in Oakfield isn’t an isolated incident. Districts across New York State are experiencing the same financial strain– caused by the same flawed system.
In fact, a growing coalition of teachers and citizens are demanding that Albany change course. They’re calling on state lawmakers to reform the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) program that allows its agencies (the GCEDC– our local IDA) and others across New York– to hand out corporate tax breaks with virtually no oversight or accountability.
Albany’s IDA framework was built to attract business. But in practice, it’s bleeding schools dry.
The state’s own funding formulas punish districts for PILOT payments, while letting corporations off the hook. It allows officials responsible for these programs to continue hiding behind good press and handshakes at ribbon cuttings– while leaving communities in crisis.
Who Escaped the Blame?
Our local IDA– the GCEDC, and its president, Mark Masse.
Masse isn’t clueless– he knows full well that PILOTs wreak havoc on school budgets. But as long as the headlines are praising him for bringing in jobs and development, it’s easier to turn a blind eye.
Besides, when the financial fallout hits schools like Oakfield-Alabama– and they face budget gaps and program cuts– Masse and his partners will have moved on. Retired. Promoted. Off to the next project. With Oakfield’s children and long-term needs in their rearview mirror.
What You Can Do
Come to the Town of Alabama Fire Department for a town hall meeting on Thursday, June 5th from 6-8PM, where more of these behind-the-scenes deals—and their consequences– will be laid out clearly. (Location at 2230 Judge Road, Basom, NY 14125)
And, ask for yourself at Oakfield’s Board meetings– have them explain to you the reality behind PILOT payments– Albany’s trojan horses.
This affects all of us. Our schools. Our kids. Our taxes.
Remember: knowledge is power.
Stop letting Mark Masse and the GCEDC control the narrative with a steady stream of self-praising press.
Push back. Speak up. Demand better– from the GCEDC, and from Albany.
By Angela M. Larmon
