Author: Brian O'Neil

May 21, 2026

 

May 21, 2026

 

May 21, 2026

 

FROM DEPUTY MAYOR JESSICA CLEVELAND:  The City of Hornell has been notified that Alstom will be conducting hydrant inspection and flow testing at all plants in the City of Hornell during the overnight hours of Thursday, May 21 into Friday, May 22, between approximately 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.  Residents are encouraged to refrain from washing clothes during testing hours and to check their water for discoloration before use. If you experience discolored water, allow the cold water to run until it clears.  Hydrant inspection and flow testing are part of necessary maintenance to their water distribution system. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time.

May 20, 2026

HORNELL – Hornell City School District residents approved the district’s $49 million budget proposal and elected one board of education member.

Voters approved:

• A $49,897,993 budget for the 2026–27 school year: 206 yes; 157 no;

• Authorization to expend up to $600,000 from the 2017–2027 and 2024–2034 Transportation Reserve Funds to purchase school buses and/or student transportation vehicles by June 30, 2027: 277 yes; 91 no;

• Authorization to establish a 2026–2036 Transportation Reserve Fund, not to exceed $1,000,000, to support the purchase of school buses, transportation vehicles, and related equipment: 261 yes; 87 no;

• Approval of the Hornell Public Library budget in the amount of $454,734: 261 yes; 142 no;

• Authorization to expend $52,234 from the general fund to purchase approximately 12.032 acres of land at Seneca Street – Adsit Maple City Park, including any improvements, for district use: 276 yes; 91 no.

Voters also elected Dr. Uzma Mehr, Ms. Jessica Talbot, and Joe Liberto to five-year terms on the Hornell Board of Education, beginning July 1.

CANISTEO-GREENWOOD –

ARKPORT –

CANASERAGA – 

The Budget 106 Yes – 36 No

The Library Prop – 112 Yes – 30 No

Capital Reserve Prop – 107 Yes – 35 No 

School Board Race Winner – Frances Hoffman 90 votes

May 20, 2026

By Steuben County Spokesman Eddie VanStine

 

The Steuben County Legislature has officially adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, establishing an online Animal Abuser Registry aimed at protecting animals and increasing public safety throughout the county.

The new law creates a publicly accessible registry through the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for individuals convicted of serious animal abuse crimes in Steuben County.

County officials say the goal is to help reduce repeat offenses, prevent convicted animal abusers from obtaining pets, and provide additional protections for animals across the region.

Under the new law:

• Individuals convicted of certain animal cruelty offenses will be required to register with the county.
• Registered offenders will be prohibited from adopting, purchasing, or possessing companion animals or pets.
• Animal shelters, pet dealers, rescue organizations, and others transferring ownership of animals will be required to check the registry before completing an adoption or sale.
• The registry will include offenders convicted of crimes such as aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting, abandonment, abuse, and harming service or police animals.
• First-time offenders will remain on the registry for seven years, while repeat offenders may be listed for life.

The online registry will be maintained by the Sheriff’s Office and available through the Steuben County website.

County leaders say the legislation is designed to strengthen accountability, improve animal welfare, and help ensure safer communities throughout Steuben County.

A public hearing on the law was held May 18, 2026, in Bath prior to final adoption by the Legislature.

 

 

May 18, 2026

May 18, 2026

May 18, 2026

HORNELL – In Hornell, it’s a $49.8 million dollar budget.
Prop 1 is the budget which has a 10.94 percent increase.
Prop 2 is whether to use $600,000 to purchase buses by 2027.
Prop 3 is a ten year transportation reserve fund for up to a million dollars.
Prop 4 would give the Hornell Public Library just under $455,000.
Prop 5 is the school buying Maple City Park.
Hornell School Board candidates are Julie Conklin, Jessica Talbot and incumbents Dr. Uzma Mehr and Joe Liberto. Voting tomorrow in Hornell is 11am to 8pm at Hornell High School.

CANISTEO-GREENWOOD – At Canisteo-Greenwood voting tomorrow is at Somers Hall in downtown Canisteo and at the Greenwood Fire Hall. Voting hours for C.G. are Noon till 8 tomorrow. It’s an about $32.6 million dollar budget. There is a school bus prop, a reserve prop and a library prop. There are four candidates running for two seats: that’s incumbents Mike Nisbit and Mike Lehman, and two new candidates: Jessica Mullen and Laura Cone-Lewis.

ARKPORT CENTRAL – At Arkport Central, voting tomorrow is 11am to 8pm in the Arkport Central small gym. The proposed budget is an about $15,4 million dollar budget. There’s a 1.89 percent increase on the levy. There are two transportation related props: a bus purchase prop to authorize buying two diesel buses and one passenger vehicle – and spend up to $450,000. Then there’s a prop on whether to spend $49,300 on the Arkport Public Library’s budget. The Arkport School Board candidate is Timothy Bailey.

ALFRED-ALMOND – At Alfred Almond Central School, there is a proposed $17,520,185 and one percent increase to the tax levy. Voting is 1pm-8 pm in the Alfred Almond High School Auditorium. Running for Alfred Almond’s Board of Education are Mark Bloxom and incumbent Jason Burdick.

May 18, 2026
By Steuben Co Spokesperson Eddie VanStine

The Steuben County Legislature has officially proclaimed the week of May 17, 2026, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, recognizing the critical role EMS providers play in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of residents across the county—while also acknowledging a pivotal moment in the future of emergency response.
Emergency medical services are a vital public service, providing lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. EMS professionals—including first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, and other trained personnel—serve on the front lines of medical emergencies, often bridging critical gaps in healthcare through rapid response, pre-hospital care, and community-based services.
Members of EMS teams, both career and volunteer, dedicate thousands of hours to specialized training and continuing education to ensure the highest level of care. Their commitment extends far beyond emergency response, strengthening community health through prevention, follow-up care, and expanding access to services in rural and underserved areas.
“EMS workers put in countless hours of training to be the best in their field, sometimes without compensation. They are the first line to any medical emergency or traumatic event and are there when people count on them most.” Said Tim Marshall – Steuben County Director of Public Safety.
As Steuben County continues to evolve, so too does its approach to emergency medical services. Long supported by a proud tradition of volunteerism, the County is now actively working to strengthen and sustain EMS delivery through a transition toward supplemental and county-supported services. This effort is designed not to replace the spirit of volunteer EMS, but to reinforce it—ensuring consistent coverage, reducing strain on volunteers, and building a more resilient, reliable system for the future.
This moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to honor the legacy of those who have served for generations, while building a modern framework that guarantees every resident timely, high-quality emergency care when it matters most.
“EMS Week is an important week to acknowledge all our EMS workers, both Paid and Volunteer. It’s a time to reflect upon their dedication to their community and the people they serve.” Marshall Emphasized
This year’s EMS Week theme, “EMS Week: Improving Outcomes, Together,” underscores the shared responsibility between EMS providers, healthcare systems, and the community to deliver strong, coordinated emergency care.
The Steuben County Legislature encourages all residents to observe EMS Week by recognizing the dedication, sacrifice, and evolving role of EMS personnel—and by supporting efforts that ensure these critical services remain strong for generations to come.

May 16, 2026

“Here we are, passing our 12th budget extender,” said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, on Thursday, in the State Assembly Chambers in Albany. “This is the latest state budget since 2010. We are actually setting a record for more budget dysfunction in New York State. A record for failure. Let that sink for a minute. This is really a mess. Unfortunately this is what one-party rule looks like, when no one is willing to lead.”

Click here for full video.

May 16, 2026

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is reacting to the Assembly passing a new tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers, despite voting down similar legislation proposed by the Assembly Republican Conference, which would have given our heroes more. Under the Republican plan, individual volunteer firefighters would have received a tax credit of $2,500, while the bill ultimately passed by the Assembly will give them a tax credit of $800. “Weeks after voting down our Conference’s proposal, Assembly Democrats decided to pass their own, weakened version. It seems that after hearing outrage and getting bad publicity for their no votes, they were finally forced into action. The hypocrisy is stunning. It seems their playbook is to shoot down any good ideas from Republicans, realize people liked the proposal and then pass their own watered-down version. This, unfortunately, is how Albany operates under one-party rule,” said Palmesano.

Palmesano is also making it clear that while he would have preferred to see the $2,500 tax credit pass, he still supported this new one, because every little step in the right direction helps. “Our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers are the backbone of our rural communities. I was happy to vote in favor of this proposal, as any help we can give our volunteers is a good thing. I have had opportunities to attend a number of fire department banquets over the years and have been able to see firsthand the incredible dedication and service of our volunteers to their local communities. It is not just an individual commitment. It is so often both family and generational commitment. It’s also important to remember that our volunteers don’t just protect their neighbors and their property. They also protect the property taxpayers. Studies have shown that if the services they provided had to be paid services, it would cost residents nearly $5 billion more in higher property taxes. Unfortunately, our volunteer ranks are continuing to shrink, so it is absolutely imperative that we take action and do much more to help recruit and retain more of these dedicated individuals. Although this is not nearly enough, it is my hope that this small gesture will help in this effort. I will continue to support our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers and fight for them to receive all the support they not only deserve but have certainly earned,” added Palmesano.

“I urge the Senate to immediately pass this legislation and for Gov. Hochul to sign it into law, as it is simply the right thing to do,” concluded Palmesano.

May 16, 2026
By Senator Tom O’Mara

Details on the still unfinished state budget have been few and far between over the past six weeks now that the budget has been late, but once Governor Hochul and the Democrat-led Legislature get around to wrapping it up, New Yorkers should be ready for the floodgates to open once again – this time to the tune of at least $268 billion.

It’s the latest state budget in 15 years and New Yorkers are being kept mostly in the dark about where it’s all going to wind up, except for that $268 billion, which would mean that over the past eight years under all-Democrat control, state spending will increase by 55%, or an amount fast approaching $100 billion.

Let that sink in.

We’re not hearing much at all out of Albany’s back rooms, save for a drip here and a drip there, including that some changes are on the way to New York State’s all-consuming climate law, the “Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019,” better known as the CLCPA.

If that’s true, will it mark a long-awaited turning point?

Keep in mind that over the past seven years since the CLCPA’s approval — first by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo and a Democrat-led Legislature, and accelerated by Governor Hochul and a Democrat-led Legislature ever since — the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences have repeatedly offered alternative policies that we believe are more focused on affordability, feasibility, and reliability. It’s irresponsible for New York State to go on asking ratepayers to bear the burden of a strategy that’s not working and that won’t work as it stands. Ratepayers are reminded of that fact every month they receive their next unaffordable, unreasonable utility bill.

Leading Democrats, including the governor, are finally recognizing that it’s not working and won’t work as it stands. But what are they going to do about it?

The smartest course of action, right now, would be to revisit the whole strategy. Earlier this year the Senate Republican Conference called for reconvening what’s known as the “Climate Action Council” (CAC).

In a letter to the governor we wrote, in part, “Since the passage of the CLCPA, electricity prices are up over 50% here in New York. This is not a coincidence. The mandates placed on utility companies have been borne by ratepayers…These costs have become unbearable for our residents. State policy has driven up energy bills to the point where people are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and affording everything else. It is time for the Council to reconvene and amend the CLCPA to account for economic realities.”

The CAC was created under the CLCPA as a 22-member body appointed by the governor and both houses of the Legislature. In December 2022, the CAC approved a “Scoping Plan” that defined the specifics for implementing broad-based clean energy and climate goals and mandates.

Plenty has changed over that time, however. What we have learned, above all, is that the current strategy is delivering a heavy price tag for ratepayers, one that will only get heavier as time goes on unless we change course. Reconvening the CAC would give everyone the opportunity to get around the table again, honestly recognize what’s not working, undertake a cost-benefit analysis (which should have been done in the first place), and then develop an actual plan, not just a ban, to feasibly reduce emissions.

That would be the most logical and meaningful course of action, in my view. That’s not what we’re hearing from Democrats. They know they have to do something because New Yorkers are understanding the reality they face under the CLCPA. In a recent statewide poll from the Siena Research Institute, 75% of respondents reported that the cost of utilities was having a “serious impact on their financial condition.” Fifty-one percent say their bills for heating and electricity are unaffordable, with nearly 30 percent admitting that they have been forced to borrow money or take on debt to cover utility costs.

How will Governor Hochul and legislative Democrats respond in this year’s final budget? Will they take actions that will give New Yorkers, over the long run, a better shot at making ends meet, balancing their family budgets, and keeping more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets?

None of the above. Instead, it sounds like we might only get some half-steps.

For example, I sponsor legislation (S8463) that would allow unspent funds, collected via state-mandated surcharges on monthly utility bills, to be returned to ratepayers. It’s critical to remember that under the current CLCPA, a significant portion of the money underpinning the Democrat climate agenda comes from these surcharges. If you’re a ratepayer, you’re directly footing the bill for the CLCPA and it seems like you should have had a more direct say in whether you agreed with being forced to pay for the imposition of the CLCPA timelines and mandates.

Under the legislation I sponsor, Governor Hochul could immediately provide at least $3 billion in bill credits to ratepayers. Instead, it’s been reported that the new state budget could include $1 billion for “energy rebates” to ratepayers. In other words, only one-third of the $3 billion that’s already been collected would be returned to ratepayers to provide some immediate relief. Why only this half-step?

The same goes for mandates like the all-electric school bus mandate. We’re hearing that the final budget may include a half-step to buy a little more time on the mandate’s implementation. Not revisit the requirement entirely. Not reassess whether it’s workable or affordable. Not more adequately determine what it will cost.

We’re on hold for final details, but it sounds like very little will be done to ease the fears of local school districts and local property taxpayers. The current timeline for implementing New York State’s all-electric school bus mandate raises far too many troubling questions on affordability, as well as on reliability and safety for student transportation to simply delay it for a relatively brief period.

I have already joined Assemblyman Phil Palmesano to sponsor legislation (S1908/A5168) that, among other provisions, would delay the mandate’s implementation until at least 2045 and, more importantly, require additional cost-benefit and safety analyses before it can ever take effect. Our Western New York colleague, Senator George Borrello, has also introduced similar legislation (S4748) to rescind the mandate and direct NYSERDA to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of converting school buses to zero-emission vehicles.

Half-steps in the new state budget, designed to buy some time and try to avoid the all-out wrath of ratepayers in this year’s elections, will only, in the end, leave everyday New Yorkers facing the reality of how to afford the costs of what will remain a half-thought-out climate agenda that will never be affordable, feasible, or reliable.