Genesee County Legislature

As a kid growing up in the Fifth Ward on South Jackson Street, F. Robert “Bob” Bialkowski didn’t move far for the last 53 years of his life on Union Street, where he lives with his wife, Madeline and four-legged companion Hershey, their chocolate poodle.

Point being that he is “very familiar with the district and its needs,” Bialkowski says. 

And, as current City Councilman-at-large, he therefore believes that he is the better candidate for the District 9 seat on the Genesee County Legislature. He is running against fellow council member Kathy Briggs of Ward Five in the June 24 Primary.

“In all the 13 years, I've only missed two meetings, and I've served on many city committees, such as the Audit Committee. I've served on hiring committees, so I've contributed in that way. I also do a lot of research on issues, and I like to get all the background and all the data,” he said during an interview with The Batavian. “And I'm a firm believer, and I think Batavia is a great place, but the work is never done. It's that simple. Two meetings in 13 years when I was out of town is a good record, I think, better than most council members.”

How do you think your time on council has equipped you to be a good legislator for city wards 4 and 5?

“To be perfectly honest, I've followed the county legislature for many years, and I'm very familiar with the district's urban and rural agriculture, and I'm also very familiar with the challenges, like the rural face versus a city,” he said. “I know several state representatives, and I communicate with them often, like George Borrello and Steve Hawley, and I think that would be a great asset. And at the county level, I know all the individual legislators. I've worked with many of them, and I've worked with the county manager, Matt Landers. I have a lot of respect for Matt.”

His bid for a county seat was one of opportunity, since Legislator Gary Maha has decided not to run for reelection, Bialkowski said, and his ongoing interest in county government. His background includes serving in the U.S. Army and National Guard for 30 years, retiring as a chief warrant officer 4, master aviator.

He has also served on committees for solid waste removal and neighborhood improvement, Zoning Board of Appeals, has been on the county’s Republican Committee for 40 years, and is on the West Wing Committee of the Holland Land Office Museum, and has been chairman of the annual Batavia Memorial Day Parade since 2010.

Bialkowski has been accused of asking too many questions during meetings, but he does that because “you, the taxpayers, deserve the answers,” he said. And it’s a trait not likely to go away, as he promises to continue to “work hard to represent you,” while studying the issues and not fearing intimidation to ask questions or vote no when it’s “in your best interest,” he said in his campaign brochure.

What will make you the more effective candidate to represent the two city districts as a legislator?

“Not to sound nasty, but to start with, it's a Republican Primary right now that we're faced with, and I received the majority of the votes from wards four and five for the seat, the majority of the endorsements from the two wards, from the ward members on the Republican Committee. I've always been a Republican, and I don't believe in changing parties. My opponent ran as a Republican, and after a few years, she became a Democrat, and then, when that wasn't fun anymore, she became a Republican again,” he said. “I respect people from whatever party they're in, but they have to stick to their guns and stick to what their party stands for. That's my belief, and regardless of their internal disagreements, they should have stayed loyal.”

Briggs had been a registered Democrat for 17 years before filing to switch to the Republican Party in 2018, claiming it was a matter of returning to her “roots” from having been a Republican in college. 

What challenges do you see ahead for the county if elected?

“First, I'd like to say I'm really frugal when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, and I act like all the expenditures are coming from my own pocket. And, as you know, Batavia has quite a few seniors living here right now. Here's the challenge: We're facing uncertainty regarding taxes, cutbacks, grants, Medicaid funding, health care," he said. "And in our county, we face some serious water and sewer issues. People don't think about it, they just think the water keeps coming and the sewer is available and it isn’t.

And this is something that I really find irritating: the electric grid is about to reach the limit, and we need to preserve our home rule. The state took away our home rule when it comes to energy. And to me, that is just totally wrong," he said. "And the other big issue I see, we have a great Sheriff's Department, great law enforcement, and it's become very challenging and difficult, and the state Legislature is taking away many of the tools our police department has, and we need to really work to restore them.”

He and Madeline just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in January and have a son, Robert, who is a vice president in the finance world.

The Batavian had contacted Briggs, along with Bialkowski, Thursday, and Briggs again on Friday, for a brief Primary preview, and she did not respond.

Rochelle “Shelley” Stein’s opponent for the District 5 Genesee County legislator seat has said there is a disconnect between Stein and her Le Roy constituents, and The Batavian asked if she knew why or how she would address it.

The way Stein sees it, there was a tie at the Le Roy Republican Committee, resulting in a non-endorsement, and another non-endorsement at the county level, which means a Primary, she said. She is running against newcomer Laurie Mancuso for the District 5 seat on the Genesee County Legislature.

“And this is the democratic process, and I welcome the opportunity to confirm for folks that I'm doing the work that I was elected to do as the county legislator from Le Roy,” she said. “Some of the things that I can absolutely point to are the direct county investments in Le Roy, and that being a multi-year subsidy contract with Le Roy Ambulance so that we can lessen response time and maintain a robust EMS system here in Le Roy that also can respond in the county. We purchased equipment for Le Roy Ambulance for $185,000, and that puts life-saving equipment on those ambulances.

“We also have invested in the high-speed broadband available to all address points, and those investments improve the quality of life in Le Roy,” she said. “And just today, I know that Spectrum has been calling on folks on Thwing Road and North Road, and Griswold Road is on its way. These direct investments are incredibly important to people here in Le Roy.”

Stein said that she is a positive force working for Le Roy, and however other candidates want to campaign, “I am going to stick by what I have done, what I've brought forward of my work and my responsibilities at the county,” she said.

One bone of contention appears to be the sales tax agreement, which was discussed beginning in 2018 and approved on August 25, 2021. The deal capped sales tax distribution at $10 million for the city of Batavia, towns and villages within the county. Ever since, there have apparently been concerns and complaints by town board officials — a few of whom have spoken during county budget talks — and it was shared with Stein as “the crux” of issues with her reelection, she said.

“I’m very proud of the fact that this Legislature takes a long view on capital investments that have to be made, such as the jail and the change to the sales tax agreement that was done. The jail belongs to everybody here in the community, and this is what the county needed to do. It was a difficult decision to come to. It was difficult for legislators. It was difficult for our communities,” she said. “The county Legislature took the stance that when we could share extra, we would, as far as additional revenue distribution, and we actually did that twice. So we did what we said we were going to do.”

The deal was a way to pay off the state-mandated and unfunded $70 million new county jail, Stein said. By capping sales tax distribution, the county was able to reserve $4 million a year for the jail’s debt service.

“I don’t know how that was misconstrued, let me put it that way,” she said. “I’m the only candidate who has any sort of county experience or municipal experience, and I will continue to represent Le Roy in a positive manner.”

The sales tax agreement is for 40 years to match the jail’s debt service, she said. And it didn’t just happen.

“Conversations were had for three years ahead of this. There was a lot of conversation and explanation from the county, including the county manager and the county treasurer. However, this jail did not have any funding stream available from the state. There are no grants,” she said. “It is a requirement by the state of New York to replace this 100-plus-year-old jail, which, quite frankly, other legislatures had kicked down the road. We didn’t have any options left. So you stand up and you do the difficult tasks at hand, and you take the criticisms at the same time.”

As for Stein being elected as the county Legislature’s chairwoman, a two-year term she has consecutively served since 2020, she believes that has only bolstered her position both as a legislator and representative of Le Roy. 

Although her opponent has openly questioned whether it’s a distraction from her District 5 duties, Stein said she thinks “a strength the community would want to have in their elected leader is that other legislators have tapped me to be chair … that shows that there is a trust and a value that other legislators put in me.”

She also shared how her position as chair connects her to opportunities that she in turn communicates to her district officials.

“Just this week … I have shared with both our mayor and supervisor, village clerk and town clerk about the Rochester Area Community Foundation. They are targeting grants for rural communities this year, and I have been in touch with (a key official), asking that I can host a conversation in the county, I would prefer that it would be in Le Roy, of course, or somewhere close to Le Roy, where we can have them come in and talk to us specifically about how these grants are going to work, what the application deadline is, understand the mission of the Rochester Area Foundation, why they are targeting rural towns and villages in Genesee and Orleans County, And what the grant would look like on the front end and the reporting process on the back end.

“Gov. Hochul just announced $100 million available for municipal and not-for-profit community centers. So I again sent this off to both the town clerk, village clerk, the village mayor and the town supervisor because I know that there is an interest in revamping the community pool,” she said. “Then this same week, the consolidated funding application workshop was noted and, again, sent that off, and the GCEDC hosted a meeting for a workshop … so these communications I continue to share these opportunities with both the town and village because when I get these opportunities, sharing them is the best way to keep communication going, and the opportunity for our communities to apply to these grants.”

She added that for the past two years, the county has budgeted for each town and village to obtain up to $5,000  for grant-writing services — a way to bring back our taxpayers’ dollars in the state government to work in their communities, she said, and “all very positive.”

If you were reelected, what do you feel are the needs of Le Roy, and what would be your priorities?

Completion of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan
“That is really going to help us determine how we address challenges in our 10 focus areas,” she said, including the latest one of community wellness to address a lack of beds for end-of-life care; how to get communication out to seniors and sufficiently connect them to services and common tools they can use when not familiar with email and websites.

Obtain the total funding for the $150 million Phase 3 water capacity project
“The impetus of that focus for myself was the fact that we lost out in Le Roy on the Great Lakes Cheese plant, which would have brought hundreds of jobs to our community, and would have been able to help grow our community,” she said. “And that was in 2022 when we lost that opportunity for that economic development project, that really kick-started the focus on getting Phase 3 water capacity, and I have been diligent, committed, laser focused. 

"I have been the one who has the networks with our state and federal funding entities, our engineering folks, our water engineering folks," she said. "Tim Hens said it best: ‘this was the first time that they felt support from the Legislature to really buckle down and knuckle in on this water capacity.’ So that all started from a project that Le Roy lost.”

Initiate a land bank
To help renovate dilapidated homes, get them out of bank holdings and bring them back onto the tax rolls, put those homes back into homeowners’ hands.

The role of the Legislature chair is elected by the other legislators. Stein said that she would serve again if asked to do so by the other members, adding that “there is a lot of work that is unseen.”

For example, she is or has been involved in the Genesee Regional Transportation Council, which funds some bridge projects; the Genesee Regional Finger Lakes Planning Council that works on the comprehensive plan for the village of Le Roy; and three different committees that cover environment, agriculture and resources, and intergovernmental issues. 

She is on the National Association of Counties board, Ag Committee, the Rural Action Caucus, a liaison for Workforce Investment Board, Office For the Aging Advisory Board, Inter-county of Western New York, Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and GLOW Works Inc.

On a more personal note, Stein also volunteers and serves at Our Lady of Mercy as an Eucharistic Minister and Lector, has been a trustee of the Le Roy parish for 12 years, and has taught catechism doctrine classes for seven years. She was a 30-year volunteer at the Oatka Festival and was part of the Bergen and Le Roy America’s Best Communities grant program, which earned those municipalities a $25,000 economic development plan.

Her 70-year family farm has grown and raised a second generation of ownership, she said, with now its third generation “being interested, being active in agriculture, growing a farm and continuing on with farming,” Stein said. The current owners are her two children, Jerrod and Natasha, and her nephew, Nathaniel, while Stein remains involved as an employee. There have been some accusations of the relationship between her official position and Stein Farms having received grant money in the past.

“I don’t have ownership in the farm. Any grant awarded to the farm is competitive,” she said. “There is no connection to the county; nobody has that amount of reach.”

She stated that her voting record can be verified, and the only potential conflict of interest she recalled was related to a conservation easement. She left the meeting while the remaining legislators discussed the matter and took any related votes. The Batavian did not have time to review her prior voting records before publication.

Why do you believe you deserve the vote for District 5 legislator?
“Because I am steadfast here in Le Roy. I have experience in local government,” Stein said. “I learned what it was like as a town supervisor for eight years and now in the Legislature, that foundation of municipal experience has brought me to a place where I am knowledgeable, I am tested, proven, and I'm trustworthy. That's why I deserve people's votes.”

Early voting for this year's Primary begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arc Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Editor's Note: An interview with Shelley Stein will run on Friday. 

As a newcomer to politics, Laurie Mancuso feels confident with endorsements from the Le Roy Town Board and the Conservative Party. She is supported by former candidate George Vito, who recently dropped out of the race for Genesee County legislator.

Mancuso is running for the town of Le Roy District 5 seat against incumbent Shelley Stein.

As a longtime “transplant” from Ohio who moved to this area while in high school, Mancuso's extensive years in manufacturing leadership have included parlaying 30 years into multiple careers at Eastman Kodak and helping to develop thread sutures of all sizes at Johnson & Johnson — all of which have equipped her to be responsible for meeting the needs of customers and taxpayers alike, she says.

“So, it was really an organization that I was responsible for that included the operations, staff, supervision, engineering, maintenance, etc.,” she said during an interview with The Batavian. “So I was responsible for making sure that we satisfied the needs of the customers that we were filling orders for.

“I’m very pragmatic. I like data to guide some decisions, most decisions, at least when I’m in the capacity of leadership that I’ve been in. Data speaks my language, so to speak,” she said. “But there’s also the people side of things: there’s also that empathetic side of me that relates to people, and how decisions that I make, that we make, affect people and organizations. Any type of leadership role that I was in always had to consider that aspect of things, which was different from some of my peers, but that’s what makes work interesting.”

She obtained her bachelor’s degree in math and sociology — combining data and people — and went on to earn her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rochester while working at Kodak. There was work and family — her husband, Andrew Kalish, and a now-grown son and daughter — until she retired in 2021.

“I came into politics here locally just recently because I believe that’s where you start to make a difference in your community if you want to move things ahead and make things better in your community,” she said. “I’ve been on the sidelines my whole life. I've been working, raising a family and letting things within the community happen, and now, as I'm retired and can step back and really consider what part I can play to help make things better in our community, I saw an opportunity here where I think I can make a difference.”

Mancuso has been involved in the village’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, the village board and Le Roy Republican Committee. She attended both the Le Roy and Genesee County Republican meetings when the current District 5 incumbent, Shelley Stein, did not get an endorsement.

“That was a big signal: there’s something wrong, there’s some discontent, not only locally, but also at a broader county level,” Mancuso said. “I don't know what those things are, but as I've been going around talking with people, as I've petitioned for signatures to get on the ballot, and now as I'm doing more campaigning, there's just a very, very clear disconnection with her and the community. I don't think they're feeling supported by her, and I realize that she's the chair of the committees.

“So her responsibilities would be different than mine going into a legislator role, because I obviously would not be the chair, and I'll be able to really focus on the needs of Le Roy District 5, perhaps more than she's been able to in the capacity that she's in now as a chair,” Mancuso said.  “I don't want to speak for Shelley. I just know that, if I were in her shoes, I can see where that that could be difficult to kind of balance the needs of all those responsibilities, but the bottom line is that the community is feeling that, and I'm directly hearing that and experiencing that, as I mentioned, at the committee meetings.”

If you were elected, what do you feel are the needs of Le Roy, and what would be your priorities?

• “I guess immediately, we need to close the gap with regard to communication and making sure that they in the community know me well, know what work I'm doing for them, what work the legislature’s doing overall, for the county. I just think there's a just a real need to make sure there's that connection. So that would be a big primary focus of mine.
• "The water project is one that is of interest to me as I'm learning more about Phase Three that we're just entering into now, and the timing of everything and considerations, perhaps to include more of the needs that we have within Le Roy for water on the south western side of this district," she said. "As I've been campaigning, I get an earful because they don't have water. And people have considered moving because they don't, and the issues that that brings, and the farmers also, as you can imagine, some challenges there. I will definitely want to understand more about what's happening and make sure the community knows what's happening around that.
• "The land bank is very interesting. I know that's one of Shelley's things that she wants to get done. I'm still learning about that. And my big thing is, I don't want to add more government to the current government, if it would mean adding a whole staff to do that. If the Economic Development Center can take it on, that might be the best place for it," she said. "If it's something that could fit into that type of organization, that would be something I would definitely support."
• "There's still some of the sales tax issue that happened five years ago. I think we're five years into a 40-year agreement now, yeah, the sales tax sharing, we don't want to repeat anything like that again," she said. "So I just want to be very clear that any decisions that we make as a legislature really gets back to our communities and that we understand what those implications are when we make those decisions." 

The sales tax agreement was signed in 2021 as a way for the county to pay its debt service for the new jail. A distribution to the city of Batavia and towns and villages in the county is capped at $10 million a year from the revenue of sales tax, and that is to allow for a debt service of $4 million to be paid off each year.

Why do you believe you're the right choice for legislator?
“I want to make sure that Le Roy District 5 is represented and that I understand the challenges that we have as a county. There’s a lot of things that come from Albany that we have no control over as a county,” she said. “We have to question and utilize the people that we have connected to us, like our assemblymen and state senators, to work with us to make sure that they’re fighting for us and helping make things better and easier for us at the county level.”

Early voting for this year's Primary begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arc Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

After more than an hour of discussing the concept, possibilities and potential partners for establishing a land bank with Genesee County and economic development officials, Matt Chavez, project manager of Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation (NORLIC), summarized the only way he thought it should go.

Batavia is the birthplace of Western New York and, therefore, holds a certain prominence in the county. So, the options of falling under an umbrella of another corporation or county didn’t make sense, he said.

“I think you deserve to have your own land bank,” he said to the group late Monday afternoon. “And the needs of your municipalities are unique, and I wouldn't claim to know them, I would learn them, certainly, obviously, we would work together, but we can work together anyway. We're your neighbor. We'll help, and we'll make those connections and those inroads, and obviously, all of our best practices, and provide as much assistance as we can in the neighborly way too.”

His colleague, Executive Director Andrea Klyczek, also encouraged the legislators to ask themselves, “What problem do you need to solve?” as they considered the ways and whys of forming a county land bank before submitting an application to the state Land Bank Association.

First things first, what’s a land bank?
A land bank is a public or quasi-governmental entity created to acquire, manage, maintain, and repurpose vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or foreclosed properties with the goal of returning them to productive use in alignment with community goals.

Its primary purpose is to address blighted or deteriorated properties by temporarily holding and caring for them until they can be transferred to responsible new owners or developers who will revitalize the properties and neighborhoods.

Land banks have unique powers granted by state laws, which often include the ability to:

• Acquire tax-foreclosed properties cost-effectively
• Sell or convey properties flexibly based on community priorities rather than the highest price
• Extinguish liens and clear titles on properties
• Hold properties tax-exempt
• Generate revenue through delinquent tax fees or other mechanisms

Unlike traditional financial institutions, land banks focus on stabilizing and revitalizing neighborhoods by eliminating blight, creating affordable housing, and promoting economic development. 

Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, who represents a portion of the city of Batavia, said there is a lot of industrial property from the days when manufacturing was a heavy contender and big employer in the county overall.

“We’ve got the infrastructure, if we could revamp it and market it,” she said, as Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein added that “we’ve got to bring these properties up to code.”

That’s another benefit of operating a land bank, Klyczek said.

“The land bank, I think, helps focus on code enforcement,” she said. “Sometimes code enforcement just doesn’t know where to begin.”

So, where does a municipality begin?
With baby steps and education, and this meeting was that first step, Stein said.

“So, ideally, we are a county land bank that works in every municipality in our county. Our latest housing needs and market analysis was done in 2018 and we've since had an update to that, but I couldn't find that one as quick as I could find this. So we know that we have commercial and industrial brownfields that have value to this community, but we don't have the wherewithal to do the cleanup,” Stein said. “And the land bank appears to be one of the, I don't want to say easier, but one of those opportunities for us to lockstep all of the necessary funding and folks that we need to pull some of that property, get it cleaned up, and it already has infrastructure for that.”

Klyczek and Chavez talked about various projects they’ve taken on — a property with no roof that sat lifeless for six years; and a burned out building that changed hands of nonprofits with no renovations — as two of an estimated 50 they have successfully turned around. Some have “moved in 30 days,” while others can take a few years, depending on the situation and condition, they said.

“We really try to be the off-ramp for people,” Chavez said.

They also try to serve as a bridge to growth, both for economic development and for neighborhoods. Klyczek gave an example of them taking a foreclosure in a high-renter-occupied block and targeting the sale for someone who will make that parcel an owner-occupied home to shift the demographics of the neighborhood. 

A municipality has an obligation to put it through a public offering and take the highest bid, she said; however, a land bank can specify who the property goes to if it meets that purpose.

“This person might be offering $100K, and this person’s only offering $50K, but the one that’s offering $50 is going to put $150 rehab dollars into their property, and they live there and be part of the community,” she said. “So that’s a better outcome long-term for the municipality. So that’s the flexibility that we have.”

Chavez talked about another important aspect they have discovered since establishing their land bank in 2017: access to state funding.

“We have direct ties to state level funding, the Department of Homes and Community Renewal funds, the Land Bank initiative, which was funded in the last five budgets, six now I think, I don't know the latest, this past year's number, but last year it was 110 million dollars get allocated to land banks specifically. And only land banks can apply for that funding, and that's to acquire, stabilize, demolish, preserve green space,” he said. “Using these resources, the state has allowed us to do a lot of things that their funding typically doesn't do. So we're able to do stabilization, like putting a roof on a home, or pre-development work, like environmental testing that isn't always funded for projects. It is reimbursable grants, but the state is very responsive to the land banks, very good to work with.”

Land banks originated in the U.S. in the 1970s to manage surplus or blighted land and have since become a widely used tool for urban revitalization, especially following the foreclosure crisis of 2007-2008. They differ from simple land banking programs or land trusts in that they are established through state legislation and have specific statutory powers. They often work in partnership with local governments, community organizations, and private investors to achieve these goals.

Chavez confirmed this with an example of how private companies seemed to be energized by NORLIC’s involvement.

“It wasn't just the sites we touched and the sites that we targeted. It was the fact that we were doing the work that others, other brownfield sites, started to come back online, or started to pay their taxes, or started to clean up a little bit,” Chavez said. “So it's these strategic interventions that yield ripple effects, and that's the ROI for the community. You have a million-dollar grant, but you spread that through targeted interventions that then leverage private investments. And that's really what we’ve touched on, is our ability to leverage those private investments.

“I would encourage a municipality to think about starting a land bank, not because I do this, but because when you start the land bank now at the state level, and this is the way I understand it … you'll get a land bank initiative, Phase One Award, which is usually about $100,000, $200,000 depending on your your size. And so if it's smaller, you figure it out. But that'll cover your legal expenses, your staff, and your administrative costs. Everything, getting technical assistance, application to ESD (Empire State Development), yes, getting each community, where's your list of properties and what's important to you, and having those really specific conversations,” he said. “But outside of that, then the state is trying to fund this work, not just this initiative. 

"So already there's a Phase Two that I mentioned that will fund your stabilization, demolitions, acquisitions, and you get to kind of tailor your ask based on your needs. So if you know in your community you need to acquire more strategic properties, you can ask for more acquisition dollars. I think that award is between one and 2 million," he said. "And then there's a Phase Three that you will after that be able to get. So I always tell our partners, we're not a real estate development company, we're a nonprofit, so it functions in that world. But really the the most important thing is returning these properties to productive use.”

Mark Masse, chief executive officer for the county’s Economic Development Center, talked about a potential for incorporating his agency’s Local Development Company in the mix.

“Our LDC used to be responsible for our shovel-ready park development, so it's sold property a lot, and our disposition property doesn't require us to bid it, anything like that. We are a public authority subject to 90 day notice and all of that kind of stuff. So I don't know. I'm just thinking from an ease of organizational setup, it's there, and it would save a significant amount of resources and time to do something like that,” Masse said. “And I have to talk to the board about it to see if that's something they would be interested in. But if that's a possibility, I think that might be something that can help.”

After 70 minutes of discussion, legislators seemed enthused about pursuing the idea, Clattenburg noted that the county is losing out on available state money, and Stein said “the Legislature is definitely interested.”

Afterward she further elaborated on that, although uncertain about whether EDC will play a role, it was “encouraging to hear the president of the local Development Corp. say we may have some opportunities to play in this space, and to be a value in this space.”

“And so there may be some synergies there, where we could just be the cog in the gear together,” she said, adding that this initiative has only just begun. “I'm thinking of a junkyard. That was the first conversation that both Gary Maha and I heard Niagara County talk about at an Intercounty meeting, and we came away from there thinking, wow, if they can clean up a junkyard and make that property so that it was attractive to a developer, what could we do here, right? And so that was kind of the little start of the bubbling.”

This coming week will be a time to reflect on those first responders that provide vital medical services and lifesaving care 24 hours a day throughout the community, Genesee County legislators say.

The Legislature presented a proclamation Wednesday in advance of Emergency Medical Services Week, May 18 to 24, to thank those service men and women and offer recognition for what they do each day and night, seven days a week.

The proclamation continues:

WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury, and

WHEREAS, emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine, and

WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers, and

WHEREAS, members of emergency medical services teams, whether professional or volunteer, dedicate thousands of hours every year to specialized training and ongoing education to improve lifesaving abilities and skills, and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to acknowledge all contributions and achievements of our community’s Emergency Medical Services providers by celebrating Emergency Medical Services Week. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week the Genesee County Legislature does hereby acknowledge the EMS Strong theme: ‘We Care’ and encourages the community to show gratitude to our EMS staff for all their hard work and dedication.

As part of their ongoing effort to recognize and make some noise about causes that matter, Genesee County legislators presented a proclamation to members of the mental health field during this week's Legislature meeting.

In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Week, Legislator Gordon Dibble read the creed stating that mental health involves "our emotional, psychological and social well-being, therefore it is crucial for the community to acquire knowledge that mental health affects the way we think, feel and act." 

The remaining portion of the proclamation states:

WHEREAS, there is stigma associated with mental health and getting help, often associated with weakness. This can be attributed to a misunderstanding regarding mental health, along with generational cultural differences, and

WHEREAS, mental health is our wealth, as we are able to forgive and be generous to ourselves in times of struggle. We are able to go “back to basics,” where it’s never too late to start again, and

WHEREAS, it is vital to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and effective mental health services for individuals and families at the community level in order to address the needs of our community, and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme is “Turn Awareness Into Action” allowing us to share knowledge and information about mental health services available to the community and what to do if mental health wellness becomes a concern, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Mental Health is committed to ensuring that people living with mental health conditions are treated with compassion, respect and understanding and is working to ensure citizens have access to affordable, quality, evidence-based mental health care. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature wishes to acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by mental health professionals throughout Genesee County and hereby declares May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Genesee County.

There will be a free "stigma-ending" mental health awareness event with service providers, wellness activities, pizza, a ticket with entry for a self-care wellness basket drawing, and shared stories at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

American women of every race, social stratum and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways.

And so begins the proclamation that Genesee County's Legislature presented to a group of county women leaders Wednesday as symbolic support and awareness of the contributions made by women to society over the years. 

The proclamation continues:

WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home, and

WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, humanitarian, and cultural institutions in our Nation, and

WHEREAS, American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and especially the peace movement, which creates a fairer and just society for all, and

WHEREAS, each department within Genesee County includes influential women whose dedication, expertise, and leadership continue to strengthen and empower women by, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence across all sectors. 

Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature resoundingly embraces Women’s History Month. Their continuous contributions made to Genesee County captures the spirit of women’s determination and clear, forward thinking by demonstrating creativity, courage and forging career paths for women of all levels of society.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature proclaims March 2025 as “Women’s History Month”. A month to take notice and appreciate the hard work women have done, and continue to do.

With a theme of "It Starts Here," this year's recognition of National Public Health Week placed emphasis on the importance of "making a difference in our homes, communities, and state."

Genesee County legislators took a few moments during their Legislature meeting Wednesday to underscore that importance with a proclamation for the contributions of public health professionals and highlight important health issues that impact local communities.

Legislator Gregg Torrey read the citation for the upcoming week in April, which stated in part:

WHEREAS, public health initiatives, including chronic disease prevention, communicable disease prevention, environmental health, health education, emergency preparedness, and efforts to address health disparities, play a crucial role in improving quality of life; and

WHEREAS, National Public Health Week provides an opportunity for residents to learn about key public health concerns and success stories that are essential to building a healthy community. These efforts include immunization programs, nutrition education, maternal and child health programs, safe housing initiatives through the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, mental health promotion, substance use prevention, disease surveillance, rabies prevention through vaccination clinics, smoking and vaping education, and strengthening community resilience through emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, and individuals is essential to addressing public health challenges and building a healthier future for all; and

WHEREAS, the residents of Genesee County recognize the essential role public health plays in their everyday lives, and we commend the dedication of public health professionals, first responders, and community partners who work to protect and promote the well-being of all.

Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature hereby proclaims April 7-13, 2025, as Public Health Week in Genesee County and encourages all residents to participate in activities that promote health and wellness in our community.

Dr. George Robert Vito, of Le Roy, is apparently considering his options after the Genesee County Conservative Party withdrew its endorsement of him for the County Legislature District #5 seat, citing "legal issues."

The Batavian has located multiple court documents in Georgia, New York, and at the federal level that detail a number of "legal issues."

These are issues he reportedly neglected to mention to Conservative Party members before they voted to endorse him.

Vito served a year in federal prison, from June 4, 2014, to May 13, 2015, plus three years on probation on a bankruptcy fraud conviction in Georgia (original indictment).

He was also sued by Jay Otero in Macon, Ga., for a leg-lengthening surgery that left Otero confined to a wheelchair for three years before he was able to walk with crutches, according to a court document. 

Vito has also been involved in other lawsuits, as a defendant and plaintiff, in both Georgia and New York.

The Batavian learned Vito shared some details of his history in Georgia during this week’s county GOP committee meeting. 

The Batavian attempted to talk with Vito about his professional history on Thursday, but he declined to answer questions until after meeting with Le Roy's Republican leadership.

After learning from Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan later Thursday that they hadn’t talked yet and had no meeting set up, The Batavian tried again. Vito said, “At this point, Andrew Lathan and I are in discussions.”

“We’re not discussing it with anybody how we’re going to handle the situation, so everything is still up in the air,” he said. “That’s just our comment at the present time. You know, what happened the other night was unexpected, and we’re just seeing how we’re going to play the cards. That’s all.”

The Batavian asked if he would respond to what he revealed at the county Republican meeting. “No,” he said.

On Friday morning, The Batavian again contacted Vito and informed him The Batavian had prepared a story about his legal issues. He said he would only respond to our request for comment if we agreed to publish a statement from him in full. 

Here is his statement:

Any legal issues I have had are personal in nature and clearly posted on the internet. I have no doubt they will be used on your website to create a salacious article to remove any support I have for the legislative spot. I was upfront and truthful when I spoke to the county Republicans prior to the vote. I openly stated that I had a bankruptcy-related felony charge and that I served my punishment. Even after the committee was informed by me of my past legal issues, (Shelley) Stein could not get the endorsement and was losing votes every time they took a new vote.

 

I will have a sit-down interview with the Video News Service early next week. Interested voters in Le Roy can look for that story and decide for themselves.

 

I am moving forward and will not announce any decisions or changes until late March or early April.

Vito is a podiatrist who is originally from Rochester. According to his social media page, he attended Corning Community College, SUNY Cortland, Des Moines University, University of Phoenix, Utica College and Purdue Global Law School. 

His medical training includes a degree from the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences and a surgical residency at Emory Northlake Regional Medical Center Residency in Tucker, Ga.

Vito has a long list of professional credentials and accolades, according to his resume. It also indicates some connections to Georgia, though he doesn't list his time in practice in that state.

He has operated practices in Buffalo, Georgia, North Carolina, Hewlett, Amherst, Batavia, and elsewhere, and currently lives and has an office in Le Roy.

Jay Otero filed his action against Vito on July 7, 2004. He alleged negligence, unlawful practice of medicine, fraud and misrepresentation, and professional malpractice.

Otero, according to court documents, underwent cosmetic leg-lengthening surgery in August 2002. Otero signed consent forms and paid Dr. Vito approximately $53,000 to perform the surgery. The procedure was estimated to increase Otero’s height (5ʹ1ʺ) by one to three inches. 

Following the surgery by Vito, Otero sought a second opinion from Dr. Dror Paley, who began treating Otero for "bilateral nonunions of the proximal tibiae with severe greater than 45-degree valgus procurvatum deformities of both tibiae," according to court documents.

In simpler terms, this describes a condition where both legs have unhealed breaks near the knees, causing the lower legs to bend outward and forward at a severe angle (more than 45 degrees).

Dr. Paley planned a course of treatment to correct Otero’s deformities. 

In November 2006, while under Dr. Paley’s care, Otero suffered an excruciatingly painful stress fracture that resulted in a complete fracture through his right femur. 

According to the 2007 court document (Order on Motion for Default Judgement), Otero’s condition "improved somewhat since his August 2002 surgery. He remains under Dr. Paley’s care and supervision."

The default judgment order states, "Dr. Vito’s liability for his negligence and unauthorized practice of medicine has already been established by the Court’s prior rulings, and the Defendants’ Georgia RICO and punitive damages liability was well-pleaded in the Second Amended Complaint, and thereafter established by the entry of default against them.”

The court ordered:

• Special damages in the amount of $721,989.24;
• Treble actual damages in the amount of $1.5 million ($ 500,000 base award);
• Punitive damages in the amount of $150,000; and
• Attorneys’ expenses in the amount of $155,000.

As part of the same case, in an Order on Motion for Summary Judgment (Sept. 9, 2009), the court also found that Vito undertook a strategy to create various corporate and business entities, which are listed in the document "as part of an elaborate scheme to evade liabilities to judgment creditors such as the Plaintiff in this case."

The court stated that Vito admitted that "he created and controlled the various entities so that he could protect his assets from collection while maintaining control over and access to those assets."

According to the court, Vito included his brothers, Richard C. Vito and John A. Vito, and his father, George A. Vito, all three also from Rochester, as official owners, shareholders, and officers of all the entities.

Richard Vito and John Vito both testified that they had no knowledge of or involvement in the affairs of these entities but that they agreed to participate as owners or officers of the various entities at the direction of their brother.

The order states:

The court found that Vito's transfers to these various entities was fraudulent, with the intent to hide assets from creditors, including Otero. By weaving a complex web of trusts, corporations, and limited liability companies, by channeling his income through numerous accounts in numerous names, by transferring his property to alter egos, by encumbering his property and income stream with various obligations, and by refusing to cooperate in the discovery of his assets, Dr. Vito fashioned a daunting challenge for his creditors. Overcoming that challenge has required more than two years of arduous, expensive litigation by a very determined Plaintiff, the appointment of a special master and a receiver, the incarceration of Dr. Vito, and considerable time and effort on the part of this Court and its staff. To this day, it cannot be said that the web is completely untangled or that the hurdles have all been removed. Enough is known, however, to warrant summary judgment in the case.

As a result, the court ordered that funds currently held by the receiver in the bankruptcy on behalf of the Vito entities be considered assets of the Vito estate.

This evidence is apparently what led to the federal bankruptcy fraud indictment.

Georgia court records also indicate that Vito was sued by Sabih Kalidy, who alleged medical malpractice by Vito when he experienced complications after Vito had performed leg lengthening surgery. The case was apparently settled, but the actual case documents are not online. The Batavian only knows about it because Vito subsequently sued Dror Paley, alleging defamation via an affidavit Paley made in the case. That case was dismissed. 

Also stemming from Kalidy's case, Vito sued attorney Mark Inman. Inman then took on another client who underwent the same procedure and began making phone calls to gather more information to support the case. He left phone messages for the person he called and Vito learned of those messages. He sued Inman and Inman's law firm alleging slander, tortious interference with business relations, and misappropriation of trade secrets. An appeals court decided in Inman's favor.

Closer to home, Legacy Medical Consultants, based in Fort Worth, filed a complaint against Vito and Ankle and Foot Centers of Western New York on June 28. The case is still pending, with the most recent action in the case, notice of discovery, on Jan. 31. 

Legacy alleges that Vito failed to pay more than $13.5 million for products received by his practice beginning in July 7, 2022.

"Despite the plain language of the Agreement, Dr. Vito has failed to make numerous payments owed to Legacy for Products he received," the complaint alleges.

It alleges Vito has failed to make at least 151 payments.

In the complaint, Legacy describes its business:

Legacy is an integrated marketer of proprietary regenerative biomaterial products processed from human amniotic membrane and other birth tissues. Among other things, Legacy markets amniotic tissue grafts, which are intended to assist in the treatment of external, chronic or non-healing wounds by providing coverage and protection. Legacy markets its products to doctors all over the country.

Legacy alleges Vito entered into an agreement with Legacy in November 2021 to purchase "human cell and tissue products for Dr. Vito to administer to patients as medically necessary” and that he subsequently placed orders with Legacy.

In an answer filed on Aug. 7, 2024, Vito denies all the allegations raised in the suit.

As for Vito’s next political step, “it is up to him,” Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan said. 

It was too late for Vito to appear before the committee by the time he notified Lathan of his interest, and the endorsement window is now closed, the chairman said. 

“He will need to get the required signatures for an upcoming primary. He has made no indication to me of his decision,” Lathan said Thursday evening. “It is important to note that the political process is alive and well for the 5th Legislative District; the door is now open for any Republican in Le Roy to get signatures and get on the ballot.

“I plead home rule to the GCRC, where the voters of Le Roy truly get to pick their representation at the county level, not to get force-fed an incumbent candidate, and my fellow Republicans of the GCRC delivered,” he said. “This is going to be a long process; nothing is going to be settled on social media. Keyboard warriors should stay stretched and well-hydrated. I hope it is an honest and fair process.”

Howard Owens contributed to this article.

Genesee County’s Conservative Committee pulled its endorsement for Dr. George Vito in his bid for the county Legislature’s District 5 spot, secretary John Roach says.

“The Conservative Party endorsed Vito and then found out he had some legal issues and thought he should have told us ahead of time,” Roach said Thursday. “The fact that he had issues and didn’t tell us … we were disappointed not to know ahead of time.”

Vito is a first-time political candidate and contender for the District 5 seat, giving a potential challenge to incumbent Shelley Stein. Neither candidate has received an endorsement from the county Republican or Conservative committees from official votes, and Stein did not get an endorsement from the Le Roy Republican Committee. 

Vito said Thursday that he was meeting with the Le Roy Republican Committee about his impending campaign and future decision to run for the seat. He wanted to have that discussion first before an interview with The Batavian. 

Stein said she is “motivated to first understand the reasons behind not receiving the endorsement for re-election this year.” County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German had said he was aware that people in Le Roy were not happy with her performance, and Stein believes it relates to the sales tax cap initiated in 2021. 

“That action was taken after several months of conversations and discussions with all municipalities,” she said. “The driver for the sales tax cap was the debt service for the new jail. The role of a legislator is to run the county with the perspective of the district, yet putting the county first.”

As for why her constituents may be disgruntled, she suspects it could stem “from the extra layer of responsibility I have as chairwoman.”

“There is much legislature discussion around issues, and once a decision is made, the chair must support it.  These decisions may not be popular with towns and villages,” she said. “I will continue to work hard and advocate for all citizens of Genesee County and faithfully execute the fiduciary duties of the position.”

Candidates will find out from the New York State Board of Elections in a week how many signatures they must obtain to get onto the ballot.

It seems likely there will be primaries in Genesee County’s future, with no endorsements for two candidates in each of the county Legislature’s District 5 and 9, County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German says.

“There were people that were adamant for Kathy or Bob, but they didn’t get 60% of the vote,” German said Wednesday of City Council members Kathy Briggs and Bob Bialkowski, who are vying for District 9.

Gary Maha has opted not to run for re-election, so there will not be an incumbent in the race for District 9. Briggs and Bialkowski will have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot.

“I’m sure they will each have people that will help them pass,” German said. 

It’s a similar scenario for the two candidates for District 5, although incumbent Rochelle “Shelley” Stein has said she will run for re-election. A longtime member of the legislature for the last 14 years, Stein was not endorsed by the Le Roy Republican, the county Conservative or the county Republican committees. 

“I know that people in Le Roy are just not happy,” German said.

The Le Roy Republican Committee has not yet endorsed, and county Conservative Committee has endorsed newcomer Dr. George Vito, a podiatrist from Le Roy for District 5. 

After three votes, neither Stein nor Vito “achieved 60%,” German said of the County Republican Committee vote. They will also have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot. German estimated they would need about 90 names. 

The county Republican Committee did endorse this week District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Chad Klotzbach for District 1, Gordon Dibble for District 3, and John Deleo for District 7.

There is also likely to be a primary this June in the town of Byron along with the two districts, German said. 

A phone call made to Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan early Wednesday evening for comment was not returned. 

The following requests were also given unanimous approval during the county Republican meeting, according to a news release:

• Maureen Torrey Marshall, a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees, requested a recommendation to the Legislature for another term.
• Carl Hyde Jr., Supervisor for the Town of Bethany, requested to pursue his interest in being a candidate for New York State governor.
• Michael Cianfrini and Barbara Eddy, the present Genesee County representatives as New York State Committee members, were appointed to another term.

Village and town property owners left Genesee County on the hook for delinquent water, sewer and school taxes worth more than $2.3 million for 2024, and the respective amounts are to be included in the county and town/village tax levies -- some of which for an extra fee.

The Legislature approved several resolutions Wednesday, including those related to the unpaid tax and utility payments.

Legislators agreed to add the following delinquent water/sewer accounts to town tax levies:

• Alabama $14,144.17
• Alexander $3,718.89
• Batavia $75,310.57
• Bergen $1,746.83
• Bethany $417.69
• Byron $33,419.52
• Darien $17,233.81
• Elba $4,468.89
• Oakfield $390.72
• Pavilion $13,508.75
• Pembroke $1,151.80
• Stafford $370.35

Total: $165,881.99

Budget Impact: The County’s share of the total amount collected is $10,852.11. 

The Real Property tax law requires that, by Nov. 15, 2024, all rural Genesee County school districts return their respective unpaid 2024-2025 school taxes to the county treasurer for inclusion in the 2025 county and town tax levy. 

The following amounts are to be re-levied against the various towns of the County of Genesee as specified:   

• Alabama $79,068.82
• Alexander $141,811.41
• Batavia $148,045.22
• Bergen $128,073.33
• Bethany $58,052.06
• Byron $106,514.76
• Darien $266,217.04
• Elba $98,654.88
• LeRoy $340,266.50
• Oakfield $103,677.72
• Pavilion $72,882.73
• Pembroke $390,049.17
• Stafford $99,346.79

Total: $2,032,660.43

Budget Impact: The county makes the school districts whole for their portion and retains a 7% fee. The 2024 total was $2,081,259.37.

The unpaid village taxes will also be re-levied as part of the 2025 town and county levy.

The following amounts are to be re-levied against the various villages in the County of Genesee as follows: 

• Alexander $2,336.63
• Attica $190.13
• Bergen $4,624.48
• Elba $4,038.26
• LeRoy $91,659.49
• Oakfield $5,695.34
• Corfu $2,009.25

Total: $110,553.58

Budget Impact: The County makes the Villages whole for their portion and retains a 7% fee. The 2024 total was $127,544.41.

In related tax collection resolutions, the Legislature also approved the county treasurer assisting in collecting the 2025 town/county tax bills for the Town of Alexander, per the supervisor’s request. The Genesee County treasurer is willing to collect the 2025 Town/County taxes on behalf of the Town of Alexander for a fee of $7,500 to cover the cost of providing the tax collection services.

In turn, Treasurer Kevin Andrews has requested to hire a temporary financial clerk-typist to assist with collecting these taxes. The position will be funded by the revenue received from the tax collection agreement with the Town of Alexander.

The Genesee County treasurer and Human Resources director were then directed to amend the 2025 Employee Salary Schedule by establishing a temporary position of financial clerk-typist, CSEA Grade 9, in the Treasurer’s Office, with varying hours not exceeding 37.5 hours per week from Jan. 6, 2025, to April 30, 2025.

The 2025 Genesee County budget is to be amended as follows:

• Increase Appropriation A.1325 1010.0000 Personal Services by $6,967
• Increase Appropriation A.1325 8010.0000 Social Security Tax by $432
• Increase Appropriation A.1325 8011.0000 Medicare Tax by $101
• Increase Revenue A.1325 1230 Treasurer Fees by $7,500

Budget Impact: Increased appropriations of $7,500 offset by increased revenue from the Town of Alexander in a like amount.

In an unrelated approval, the Legislature agreed to renew the county’s Economic Development Center contract for $233,513 plus $25,000 for workforce training program administration. The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, and will be paid in regular installments upon receipt of proper vouchers. 

The financial history of payments to GCEDC includes a low of $193,513 in 2017 and 2018, which then jumped to $233,513 in 2019 and has remained for subsequent years. The additional $25,000 began in 2022.

• 2024 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2023 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2022 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2021 = $233,513
• 2020 = $233,513
• 2019 = $233,513
• 2018 = $193,513
• 2017=$193,513 – 10% reduction in funding or $21,501 less
• 2016=$215,014
• 2015=$215,014
• 2014= $215,014
• 2013= $215,014
• 2012 = $215,014; 5% reduction in funding or $11,317 less
• 2011 = $226,330; 15% reduction in funding or $29,942 less
• 2010 = $266,271; 5% reduction in funding or $14,014 less
• 2009 to 2006 funding = $280,285
• 2005 to 2003 = $275,285

Genesee County’s Legislature adopted the proposed $189 million budget this week, calling for a tax levy increase of 2.78%. The legislature also agreed to several other resolutions, including moving leftover federal money into countywide broadband expansion, approving the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union contract, raising salaries for county officers and increasing salaries for nonunion employees and management.

A tax levy of $33,630,739 is to be raised for the 2025 budget, which equates to a tax rate decrease of 51 cents per $1,000 assessed value due to increased property assessments, County Manager Matt Landers said, lowering the current rate of $8.08 to $7.57 per $1,000 assessed value. However, as many property owners may discover, their annual tax bill will increase due to those larger assessments. For a prior budget story, go HERE.

During prior talks about the budget, Legislative Chair Shelley Stein remarked about what she believed was the reality of the situation: “It's still an increase in the levy. We are aware that the rate goes down with this, but we also are running a service organization, and there are costs in New York State that we cannot avoid. We want to make a very safe community that is balanced with quality of life. These are the costs.”

Legislator Marianne Clattenburg added that many of “these dollars” are spent, when it comes to security, “not just on public service” but also with a focus on things such as cyber security and the welfare of citizens.

Legislators also approved the negotiated deal to give AFSCME wage increases of 4% for 2025, 3% for 2026 and 4% for 2027.

There is the creation of a Step 7, with a 4% increase.  Members with approximately 7+ years of service will be moved to Step 7.

Beginning Jan. 1, longevity will increase from $.10/hour to $.20/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, longevity will increase to $.25/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years.

Health Care:

2025 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 13% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2026 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 14% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2027 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 15% cost share with a cap of 10% of earnings.

The Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) is getting a 4% increase, and management is getting a 3.5% increase.  CSEA grade adjustments will be negotiated with the union in the coming months.  Management and union members also receive annual step increases until they reach the top of their grade. 

In addition, specific management positions were recommended for an additional one grade adjustment based on the Evergreen study. One grade adjustment equals an approximately 5% increase. 

The salary of county officers were approved for Jan. 1 as follows:

• Commissioner of Public Works $137,048
• Commissioner of Elections (2) $ 62,817
• Commissioner of Social Services $119,689
• County Attorney $144,830
• County Clerk $111,975
• District Attorney $220,970
• Human Resources Director $123,729
• Public Defender $145,235

The county had previously entered into a contract this year with Spectrum Northeast for high-speed internet broadband access for residential, business and government users for a price not to exceed $6,603,107, and at that time the county dedicated $2 million of its American Rescue Plan funds for the project. 

There is a leftover amount of $17,603.74 of ARPA money, so legislators agreed to also put that toward the broadband expense instead of using reserve funds. 

Byron Brown had his facts and figures at the ready for a meet-and-greet with Genesee County and city municipal leaders Thursday, a quality that didn’t go unnoticed as he answered questions and gave well-polished objectives for the future of Batavia Downs.

The newly hired president and CEO was, in a word, “comfortable,” Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein said.

“So this is my first time in meeting Mr. Brown, and I believe that he was well prepared. He had his facts, and his numbers absolutely spot on," Stein said after the 50-minute meeting in courthouse chambers. "And the fact that he prepared for us in such a way, I think, speaks volumes about his willingness to be part of a community here in Genesee County and that he will value the host that we are, our city, our town and our county." 

During the session, Stein asked Brown about the revenue that is typically distributed from Batavia Downs to 17 municipalities, including Genesee County. She noted that since the hiring of him and Steven Casey, chief administrative officer and Director of Communications Michael DeGeorge, those three salaries add up to more than the revenue from video lottery terminal money for Genesee County in a year. “That money has already been spent,” she said.

“So I'm sure that that's a conversation that we will continue to have going forward, as I think there were too many questions at the same time coming, but we'll continue that with our board member, Mr. Zambito, and we will continue to probe and push on that because the work of the last three years with (former CEO) Henry Wojtaszek have just been stacked on top of each other,” she said. “Really, nice growth stats, and we've enjoyed those, and it helps our taxpayers here in Genesee County. He's got big shoes to fill, and we're going to give him room to do that, but we also want him to know that we're paying attention.”

As for paying, those first year salaries are $295,000 for Brown, $190,000 for Casey and $130,000 for DeGeorge for a total of $615,000.

Chuck Zambito is on the Western Regional Off-Track Betting board as a representative of and liaison to Genesee County. 

“It’s a great corporation,” Zambito said. “The gaming industry is changing every day. Our goal is to make the corporation better, stronger and more profitable.”

After introductions of each legislator, council member and Brown’s team, Brown parlayed some numbers into talking points for his new missive as the new leader of the Park Road enterprise. He reviewed some of his resume, including having been a member of Buffalo City Council, three terms in the state Senate and most recently as mayor for five terms, earning title to being "the longest serving mayor in the history of the city," he said.

“And one of the things that attracted me to this position is the revenue that it provides to 17 member municipalities in Western New York,” he said. “I thought that that was critically important, and wanted to be able to not only protect the revenues that are provided but to try to grow the revenues that are provided to the 17 member municipalities.”

Since OTB was established in 1974, the gaming facility has provided more than $260 million to those 17 municipalities, he said, with more than $13 million going to Genesee County.

“From my perspective, as former mayor of the City of Buffalo, I think that these revenues are important to the municipalities that receive them, so my new and existing management team will be working to preserve and to grow revenues. I also know here in Genesee County and in the city and town, it is important that this organization continue to be successful and profitable," he said. "It is an important employment source for this community, and we certainly ought to make sure that those employment opportunities are protected and preserved. 

"And if we can grow for the folks that live in this part of our state, obviously with the property, with the corporation being physically located in Genesee County, the majority of the employees at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation reside in Genesee County," he said. "And so, this is a large employer, over 430 employees, and my focus with the management team and certainly the board of directors will be to protect the employment base, to grow the employment base, and to continue to provide revenues for this community and the other municipalities that derive revenues from OTB.”

County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg asked if Brown was keeping public safety in mind as the track backs up to city neighborhoods, and “the track has always been safe,” she said.

“Public safety will definitely be a priority of mine. My record in public service is one of being a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and fire service. When I was in the New York State Senate, I had a very close relationship with the State Police. Certainly, as mayor of the City of Buffalo, I worked very closely with our police department, one of the largest municipal police departments in the state of New York, outside of New York City, actually the second largest police department, and enjoy strong support from deputy sheriffs in Erie County, Buffalo Police Officers, New York State Police," he said. "And in any community, public safety is critically important. Legislator Deleo is one of our security officers at the property. They do a very good job on the property. We also have a relationship with the Sheriff's Department, which certainly will continue. 

"Yesterday … many people from Batavia Downs attended the road dedication for Sergeant Sanfratello, and it just brought back to me how important public safety is," he said. "That certainly was a tragedy that occurred, and we will be working very closely with law enforcement, very closely with our security officers, to make sure that on the property, in the property, around the property, we are maintaining a safe environment.”

Legislator John Deleo added, “Batavia Downs is one of our polished diamonds, and I hope it continues to shine.” He also expressed concern about “whether we’re on parity now” or if more was going to the state. “If we’re not, I hope that you can break this situation and keep the money home.”

“That is a great point; we are not at parity right now,” Brown said. “That is part of our legislative agenda. As a former state senator, I served on the Gaming, Racing and Wagering Committee in the New York State Senate, so I have familiarity with the operation of that committee. We will be very focused, very aggressive in pursuing the legislative agenda that the board has established for us,” he said. “That certainly is one of the items in the legislative agenda and we have been formulating our strategies so that we can hit the ground running when the legislature goes back into session in January.”

The legislative process is one where relationships are “critically important,” he said, and he believes that his background and that of his team are keys to opening more doors of the process, at least to “be able to get in the door and have a conversation about the things that are important to WROTB … and to Genesee County,” he said.

“One of the issues that we're really zeroing in on is the tax rate and getting parity. We have a higher tax rate than other properties, and we want to make the case to the state that it made sense to bring us into parity with other properties, not only because it would make Western Regional Off-Track Betting more financially profitable but it would also produce greater revenue to the 17 member municipalities, and that will strengthen 17 municipalities in Western New York, including Genesee County,” Brown said. “One of the things that I have learned in government is there are threats that are seen and threats that are unseen. We will be paying close attention, and we will be very plugged into what's happening in Albany so that we can stay ahead of the curve. We don't want to find things out after they've already happened to us; we want to know what's happening before threats arise and try to pick those things off before it's too late to do anything to prevent them. So that will be our approach. Legislatively, we're going to be very active in Albany.” 

City Councilman Bob Bialkowski said that some city residents have complained about the noise levels and timing of concerts — continuing later at night past city ordinance — and Brown said he is “a stickler for the rules.” He offered to meet with neighbors to hear about issues when necessary.

“We don’t want a growing, thriving business and a declining community,” he said. “If a concert is supposed to end at a certain time, it will end at that time.”

Another goal is a potential hotel expansion, which the board has already been exploring. A property should at least be refreshed every seven to 10 years, he said, to continue a strong patronage of the hotel.

“The hotel is one of the, if not the, most successful in the region,” he said. “We have been able to improve the quality of the three restaurants and have been getting good reviews. That keeps people coming back.”

He referred to a Downs commercial and said that he’s had to practice the tagline “over and over,” predicting he might just show up in one of the promotions sometime: "You’re not going to just like coming here, you’re going to love coming here,” he said, really punching his voice on the love.

“We plan on being very visible, not just in the property, but very visible in the community as well. And I have a history of extensive community engagement in the different government offices that I have been in,” he said. “One of the things that I took real pride in is getting out with the people, getting out into the community, and building strong relationships with the community.”

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. had shared concerns about times when VLT money was withheld at the state level, which caused financial stress for the city. Brown said he would “certainly work to help with that” and that it’s part of the mission to strengthen and grow the corporation, as it was when he was mayor working with the Seneca Nation and its casino. There were times when expected monies did not come, he said, and he was urged to give up, but “we stayed plugged in” to the governor’s office and the Senate Commission, and the situation eventually turned for the better. 

“We hope to be very articulate about the needs of the corporation and the needs of the surrounding local community, and we will be a voice with you in expressing the needs of the community to our legislators and to our governor,” he said. 

Jankowski appreciated the meeting and Brown’s words, he said. 

“And I'm confident that he has all the skills he needs and the intentions to do a really good job in Genesee County. I liked his answers to our questions. He seems very thorough, he seems very well thought out. And I think he has a really good plan, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with the Batavia Downs,” Jankowski said. “He obviously has no control over (VLT distribution), but as someone who's actually working at the downs and may have input in that decision, I'm confident that he will go to bat for our county and try to keep us in the loop as far as continued payouts and so on, so that our budget is able to keep up with the rising costs of a lot of things. We look forward to that VLT money to help us through that. So I think he realized how important that was to us, and I think he's going to do his best to help us out with that.”
 

Genesee County municipalities can expect a share of the half million dollars in mortgage tax that the county will distribute after the Legislature approved a resolution of payments this week.

The county clerk/treasurer reported that $504,734.48 is available from mortgage tax—the one-time tax paid when a mortgage is recorded—and the Legislature agreed during Wednesday’s meeting to distribute that lump sum of the respective mortgage tax amounts to the city of Batavia and each of the towns and villages within Genesee County. 

The breakdown is as follows:

• The city of Batavia will receive - $83,983
• Town of Alabama - $11,275.13
• Town of Alexander - $15,680.53
• Town of Batavia - $50,704.70
• Town of Bergen - $31,432.60
• Town of Bethany - $7,805.15
• Town of Byron - $23,154.70
• Town of Darien - $14,484.98
• Town of Elba - $12,676.74
• Town of LeRoy - $30,712.91
• Town of Oakfield - $16,642.28
• Town of Pavilion - $20,423.81
• Town of Pembroke - $136,785.84
• Town of Stafford  - $21,895.93
• Village of Alexander - $1,410.28
• Village of Attica - $484.87
• Village of Bergen - $4,174.35
• Village of Corfu - $7,870.05
• Village of Elba - $1,542.34
• Village of LeRoy - $8,932.81
• Village of Oakfield - $2,661.48

The county has records of these payments since 2011, with a total of $264,130.74. The totals have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, with a high of $636,882.14 in 2022, which decreased to $562,507.30 in 2023, and that fell again this year. 

In other action, the Legislature also approved overtime costs of $100,000 for the Sheriff’s Office to cover a current shortage projected through the year-end. This is due to police services for outside agencies and the need for overtime pay and fringe expenses.  

The overtime cost, plus $6,200 in social security tax, $1,450 for Medicare tax, and $23,200 in retirement expenses, will have a total budget impact of $130,850.

Genesee County Manager Matt Landers had asked county departments to submit their needs as part of the 2025 budget process and the response included 10 additional corrections officers, a public works project manager, two sheriff’s office financial positions, a district attorney student intern and HR temp clerk.

All totaled, the county could have a gap of about $1 million, Landers said.

“It’s a challenging budget right now, as I said in the budget meeting, where the gap, and what I call the gap, is the difference between my revenues and expenses, countywide, it's about $415,000. There's some known expenses, based on recent meetings with departments, that'll increase that to probably around $600,000, and then there's anticipated cost increases, because we're going through a salary study process right now that could raise that up to $800,000 to a million,” Landers said to The Batavian after the second budget meeting for the season. “So now I'm looking at different avenues that I can potentially close that gap through one-time funding opportunities like fund balance or reoccurring revenues, and looking at things like our interest earnings, sales tax, things like that, that I can try to close the gap or potentially reducing certain projects and costs. 

“And so this is the part of the process that takes the longest, but I am optimistic that by the time I finalize the budget in two weeks that I will deliver a budget that is well under the tax cap, which was the direction that the legislature gave me.”

Legislator Gary Maha asked about the sheriff’s request for jail personnel.

“The 10 extra CO’s, did that come from a staffing analysis?” Maha said.

Yes, Landers said, there was an analysis, but something more detailed is to be coming.

“But what I’ve asked for, and what they’re working on, I’ll get to see is basically a visual representation of where the posts are for every line, A line, B line, C line, where they are, where I can better ask questions,” Landers said. “It’s not set in stone with the 10, because I myself have asked for a visual representation of where the posts are. There was, I think, a misunderstanding at the last meeting, because that wasn’t available. 

“They've got now two CO’s in the control room versus one, and that was something that, hindsight is 2020, where our consultants thought that one would be adequate, and I think the CO’s even thought it would be adequate, but now that they're running it, it doesn't appear to be adequate. But at the same time, as a layperson myself, I asked the question, well, do they need it staffed for the overnight when there's less activity. They claim there is, but this is the kind of visualization that I look forward to seeing,” he said, answering the legislator about the analysis performed. “And there is an argument, because the overtime costs for this place is going through the roof, where we're budgeting an extra $100,000 in overtime costs from last year, even with the CO’s, the extra CO’s, just because the amount of people that’s needed, like I said, the analysis that was provided at the early stages, versus now, it's off a little bit. And I want to better understand this, because I want to make sure I go back to the consultant and just basically help them understand, for future reference, where they may have been off a little bit, and then other impacts.” 

An upside, he said, is that the five of the CO’s will be hired in April 2025, which saves some money for the first four months of the year, and there are six single ($18,834) and nine family ($25,112) medical insurance plans for additional cost savings, he said.

There are other impacts to the new jail facility part of the analysis that also may not have been considered, he said, such as maintenance costs and how long it takes a cleaner to actually walk through the building. There are several security doors and the cleaners have to wait for each one to slowly open by someone in the control room, and then to completely shut behind the cleaner before proceeding on with the task at hand. That adds 20 to 30 minutes to each job.

In the Public Works Department, the commissioner has requested a new, full-time project manager position at an estimated $80,000 plus benefits of about another $40,000. This is due to the amount of construction projects in progress and coming up, including at Holland Land Office Museum, the Animal Shelter, Engine House, and many bridges, Landers said. 

Landers was in agreement with the district attorney’s request for a student intern, at a small salary of $3,000, and with the hopeful payoff of putting people in the pipeline for future assistant DA positions, he said. 

It’s a balancing act of trying to cut as much as possible while being able to remain functional. Landers said it's a balance of trying to be conservative and aggressive at the same time.

"The motto or the theme that I've been telling these departments, because we've been cutting a little deeper, and I reassure them that this doesn't impact their ability to operate. It may require them to shift funds amongst their accounts,” Landers said. “But if they need to run the jail, they do have to run the jail effectively. If they need funds to do that and they can't shift, then that problem becomes my problem, and that's why I have a contingency line and other pots of money that I can pull from as well. But every dollar that we can shave out of their budget is one less dollar that I have to take from taxpayers to fund their operations.”

The county’s Agricultural Society and Genesee Orleans Council on the Arts each asked for a funding increase, which isn’t likely to happen, Landers said. All agencies were forewarned that funding would probably stay flat this next year, he said.

“It's not a major secret. I had requested in my my letter of funding request that I sent to the outside agencies that this was going to be a difficult budget, to expect flat funding. Most of them put requests in at flat funding,” he said. “A couple of them have small requests of increases. So yep, we will keep them at flat funding, so we're not going to be able to honor the increase that they've requested. But you know, as I said in the meeting, I love it when we have the opportunity to provide these agencies some additional funding, because they can do a lot of the things the county can't do or we're not good at doing, we're not experts in, and we are happy to see these funds go to so many outside, worthwhile organizations that do a lot of good for our community.”

The major departments of Sheriff’s Office, Mental Health Department and Social Services will be meeting with Landers and legislators and more budget sessions are scheduled before a final budget will be presented for a final vote and adoption.

Rising health insurance, program and workers' compensation costs for Byron-Bergen Public Library have triggered a request for nearly $4,000 more in the Town of Byron’s 2025 budget, Board President Sally Capurso says.

Capurso requested $10,000 from the board, an increase of $3,800 from the $6,200 it allotted in the 2024 budget. 

She reminded everyone about last year’s vote for Municipal 414 to establish a tax for each of the towns of Bergen and Byron for the library. Bergen passed, but Byron did not, with a 42% vote.

“The trustees are committed to, once again, pursuing this municipal 414 proposition in 2025, however, now in 2024 we both recognize and appreciate that both the town of Byron and our Byron-Bergen Public Library are transitioning with some new board members and experiencing an increase in expenditures," Capurso said during this month's town board meeting. "We are adjusting to new costs that we did not have before. We have to pay for workers' compensation, and we don't even know the cost of that because it will not be out until October. Our library strives to continue to offer relevant programming. Digital materials such as ebooks and audiobooks have also gone up. Additionally, we want to increase compensation and benefits for our loyal employees."

She cited numbers, including performer costs of $250 to $500, and health insurance estimated to range from $5,724 to $13,000. 

"We are still dipping into our reserve funds, which have decreased about 15% from 2023 to 2024," she said. "Would the town board consider putting an amount of $10,000 in your budget to support the final version of the library for the 2024 budget year?”

Town Supervisor Candace Hensel said that budget talks will be coming up.

“And we’ll see where we stand,” Hensel said.

The town of Bergen residents supported Municipal 414, which now provides a tax of 55 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in Bergen that will go toward library expenses. 

As for the worker’s compensation insurance, the library board had approached Genesee County officials previously to find out if Byron-Bergen could be added to the plan, since at the time only Richmond Memorial Library was officially listed.

Byron-Bergen’s board then presented a resolution, per requirements of a local law, to be added by the deadline of July 15. That request prompted discussion during a recent Ways and Means meeting to revise the local law and set a public hearing.

The proposal is to amend a law dating back to 1962 that has since been amended several times related to the county’s mutual self insurance plan. 

The resolution states that any municipal entity eligible to become a member of the plan may become a member by filing a certified copy of the resolution of its governing body that indicates its intention to become a participant of the plan for the next calendar year of operation with the executive secretary of the plan on or before July 15 of any year.  

Genesee County Legislature approved the hearing for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the county Legislature Chambers in the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia. Anyone interested in the topic that wants to speak may do so during this time.

A state bill in the early phases of the Senate and Assembly committees that would lump Genesee County’s industrial development agency into a Finger Lakes regional agency of nine counties would not serve the best interests of this county’s residents and economic initiatives, Legislator Marianne Clattenburg says.

The county Legislature is slated to approve a resolution opposing Senate Bill S4545 and Assembly Bill A3069 to amend general municipal law to do just that: force Genesee County’s IDA to consolidate into the larger agency along with Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties.

“The resolution opposes IDA consolidation because we believe it would result in a loss of control over the operations and priorities of our existing entity. We do work together regionally with our Regional Economic Development Council.  Regional priority projects are promoted with the goal of seeing the entire region grow economically,” Clattenburg said. “That is entirely different than having local control taken away from the legislature that creates and funds its economic development agency. We decide the funding level of the agency, and we appoint the members of the board.  These are local residents who are committed to the betterment of our county and know our communities.  We believe that taking this away is a violation of our ability to control what development happens in Genesee County. 

“It is the essence of Home Rule,” she said. “We are happy to continue to work with partners  to continue to bring jobs to our county, but we are opposed to any changes in our current model.”

The Ways & Means Committee agreed this week to pass the resolution onto the full Legislature for a vote on Wednesday. 

The bill still has to be passed by both the Assembly and Senate and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The resolution continues to state that there is “very limited justification for this legislation by mentioning only concerns regarding IDA applicants ‘shopping around’ amongst IDA’s with overlapping jurisdiction to attempt to obtain the ‘best deal’ and, WHEREAS, local IDA members have vested interests in the communities in which they live and are far more knowledgeable of the local economic development priorities as comparted to a 15-member regional agency spanning counties, and WHEREAS, many of these 15 appointed members of the regional agency could not be expected to be familiar with Genesee County and the communities served by our existing local IDA, and WHEREAS, accountability for actions taken by industrial development agencies should be vested in individuals who live and work in affected communities and understand the local economic development landscape, and WHEREAS, the Genesee County Legislature agrees with the Genesee County IDA that keeping local decision making on important economic development priorities is imperative and a pillar of local government control accountable to its residents. 

“Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature hereby opposes Senate Bill S4545 and Assembly Bill 3069 that attempt to consolidate all 109 local Industrial Development Agencies into ten Regional Industrial Development Agencies, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Legislature will send certified copies electronically of this resolution to Governor Kathy Hochul,” and the other involved government leaders, including Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, and any other person or organization deemed necessary.

Although it's toward the end of March, Genesee County Legislature members didn't let the month slip by without recognizing the importance of Women's History Month with a proclamation presented by Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein and Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, pictured above on either side of the certificate. 

Ever since it was proclaimed in March 1987, Women's History Month has given a nod to all of the feats and accomplishments made possible by women, who locally serve on government and school boards, as leaders of companies, role models and motivators in schools, industries, and organizations and as volunteers for various efforts throughout the county. 

The proclamation sums it up below:

WHEREAS, American women of every race, social stratum and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways, and

WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home, and

WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, humanitarian, and cultural institutions in our Nation, and

WHEREAS, American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and especially the peace movement, which creates a fairer and just society for all.

WHEREAS, currently there are fourteen departments being led by influential women within Genesee County such as Legislature, Office For The Aging, Commissioner of Jurors, Compliance, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Elections, GLOW Solid Recycling, Human Resources, Job Development Bureau, Mental Health, Genesee Justice, Department of Social Services, STOP-DWI, Business Education Alliance and many more women in supporting roles throughout Genesee County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature resoundingly embraces Women’s History Month and recognizes the value women bring to leadership in our community with many different professions. Evidence of this value shines through our staff, management, administration and local elected leaders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, there are continuous contributions made by the women of Genesee County. They capture the spirit of women’s determination and clear, forward thinking by demonstrating creativity, courage and forging career paths for women of all levels of society.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature proclaims March as “Women’s History Month.” A month to take notice and appreciate the hard work women have done, and the continued work ahead for women in all societies.

After 16 years of operating as a short-term housing option for travelers, Airbnb is voluntarily signing up to be part of the bed tax system in Genesee County, Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews says.

The popular offering to people looking for anything from big city apartments to cottages by the lake is expected to add an estimated $30,000 to the county’s bottom line once the Legislature votes to approve the measure.

“Basically, this is a voluntary agreement that Airbnb is looking to enter into with the county where they will collect the bed tax on behalf of anybody who rents through their platform, and then they will remit the bed tax to us directly themselves,” Andrews said at the county’s Ways & Means meeting Wednesday. “Currently, we've been reaching out to any individuals that we can find that have been using them, their platform, and others, and having them register with us directly and pay us directly, but this would just allow Airbnb to do that on their behalf and remit the tax to us on their behalf.”

What does Airbnb stand for?
It means "air bed and breakfast," a term coined when Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky founded it in 2007. According to real estate investing site Mashvisor, the two men were living in a San Francisco apartment when they came up with the idea to rent out a lounge room to designers visiting the city. The guests slept on air beds and were fed breakfast in the morning. And Airbnb was born. 

The founders’ website lists $7 billion in total taxes being collected and remitted globally and that the typical U.S. host earned $14,000 in 2023. 

Why does Airbnb want to cooperate and do this?
“To help make sure that all their customers that are using their platform are meeting the requirements of the bed tax law for Genesee County and other counties so that they're meeting those regulations and requirements,” Andrews said.

When will this take effect? Do you have any idea how many properties this would include?
“Once we have approval from the legislature, we're hoping to have the agreement in place in the next month or so,” he said. “No, I don't unfortunately, Airbnb is reluctant to provide any specific information on their individuals and their platforms. Once we start receiving payments from Airbnb, then we’ll have a clearer picture on that going forward, for sure.”

County Manager Matt Landers said that the Chamber of Commerce provided a figure of about $30,000 annually that staff estimates would be the bed tax to come from Airbnb rentals. 

“So this is significant,” Landers said. “Even though we’re not getting detailed information, it turns out, if there was a spot check, Airbnb can go through the process, they can see, okay, there’s a fee. You can check on it that way.”

Prior to this agreement, it was up to each individual property owner to collect and remit the bed tax. This will now allow Airbnb to assist with the process, Andrews said.

“Property owners are still supposed to register and file a report to us, and we’ll still try to get that information from them,” he said. “And Airbnb has said that they’ll put information on their website about that process so that hopefully that will assist with getting people to register in their office for that.”

Legislators shouldn’t hold their breath for other similar companies to follow suit — such as Vrbo, as Legislator Christian Yunker asked about, Landers said. This type of information isn’t “as readily available” or provided by others as it is with Airbnb, he and Andrews said.

“I think they’re less willing to work with counties on this, but we’ll make an attempt, for sure,” Andrews said.

The Legislature is to vote on a resolution on March 27 to include Airbnb, an internet-based booking platform that processes transactions within the county, which would be liable for the occupancy tax on behalf of facilities within the county that provide lodging on an overnight basis, into the county’s local law, and enter into an agreement with Airbnb to collect and remit the occupancy tax.