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The folks at Darien Lake are celebrating the 35th anniversary of The Viper, a roller coaster that was not only revolutionary for the theme park industry but led to other changes, including a name change from Darien Lake Fun Country to Darien Lake Theme Park.

The Viper was the first roller coaster in the world with five inversions.

General Manager Chris Thorpe said the addition of the Viper really put Darien Lake on the map in the amusement park industry and allowed the park to expand its marketing reach beyond the immediate Western New York area.

Riders and staff were invited to a ribbon cutting and ice cream social this morning to celebrate the anniversary of the historic ride.

Here's a 1982 promo video from WHEC featuring the ride:

A two-vehicle accident is reported at 105 W. Main St., Batavia.

Traffic is blocked, but no injuries are reported.

City fire and Mercy EMS responded. Batavia PD on scene.

Reader Don Norton shared this picture from a fender-bender accident this morning about 11 o'clock on Clinton Street near Aldi's.

Duane A. Mather, 44, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary -- illegal entry with intent to commit a crime; petit larceny; fifth-degree conspiracy; providing a false written statement; and possession of burglar tools. Mather was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Charles D. Macey, 37, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fifth-degree conspiracy; petit larceny; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and possession of burglar tools. Macey was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Grayson Bud Ground, 18, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested at 5 a.m. June 24 on Shanks Road in Alabama after he allegedly struck a male in the face, causing the male to suffer a broken jaw. He was arraigned on June 27 in Alabama Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was also issued in this matter. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Leaddice J. Daniels, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Daniels was arrested on June 26 after allegedly stealing a wallet containing several credit and debit cards at 10:03 p.m. on June 22 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendant was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on June 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Stephanie Wentworth, 31, of Augusta Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17 years of age. Wentworth turned herself in June 26 on a warrant issued after a domestic incident that occurred at 9 a.m. on June 18 at the Bob Evans restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert R. Gerety, 44, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with: moving from lane unsafely; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and DWI -- first offense. Officers were called to the scene of a rollover accident involving a single vehicle at 10:09 p.m. on June 20 at 204 Richmond Ave., Batavia. After investigation, charges were pressed against Gerety. He was due in City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Stephen J. Turkasz, 26, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly threatened to harm a person protected under an orpder of protection during a phone call on the night of June 8. He was arraigned and released and is due back in court on July 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Michael Richard Ostrander, 52, of Middle Road, Collins, is charged with first-degree possession of dangerous contraband in prison and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Ostrander was charged with the crimes for allegedly possessing an unprescribed controlled substance while being an inmate in Genesee County Jail in December. He appeared in City of Batavia Court on June 27 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Nathan E. Hinze, 24, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larency. He was arrested following an investigation of a shoplifting incident at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in Batavia in which he allegedly took a bottle of water without paying for it. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 11 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. It is alleged that at 11:15 a.m. on June 27 on West Main Street in Batavia that she had an amount of marijuana on her at the time of her arrest for a separate incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for June 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: speeding; being an unlicensed operator; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. She was arrested on June 27 on an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court for traffic tickets. She was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and was due back in court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old who resides on Washington Avenue in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was arrested this morning at 1:11 (June 29) during a traffic stop on West Main Street, Batavia, after an officer allegedly located an amount of marijuana in a vehicle that the youth was operating. The youth was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

There is a pile of rubble located at the bottom of Temperance Hill on Route 5, where one of the oldest properties in Stafford, dating back to the early 1800s, used to stand.

A piece of history was forever lost last Wednesday morning when the property was demolished, according to Linda Call, a member of the Stafford Historical Society.

“We, as the Stafford Historical Society, feel badly that this piece of history is no longer something we can go look at,” Call said.

The property was built by Worthy Lovell Churchill, a colonel who commanded the 164th Regiment of State Militia during the War of 1812, when he came to Stafford in 1803. Churchill served as the Genesee County Sheriff between 1820 and 1825. Garth Swanson, the Stafford historian, said the house was built no later than 1805.

Swanson said he has lived in the area for about 25 years and has never seen it occupied.

“I know the house was in conditions beyond repair,” Swanson said. “But, it’s a sad loss of an incredibly significant piece of history. He was one of the founders of Stafford.”

Churchill’s child was the first child born in Stafford and could have possibly been born in the house, Swanson said.

The house was used as a public house, with a tavern and dining room on the first floor, with rooms and living quarters on the second floor.

“It was a very significant house,” Swanson said. “It served as a public house for a number of years.”

In 1820, the house was sold to Persis Prole Bell and her husband, who died in 1828. Persis was the first woman to receive a driver’s license in Genesee County, according to Michael Eula, Ph.D., the county historian.

Persis remarried a man named John Hitchcock, who transformed the house into a temperance house.

Swanson said the hill was later named Temperance Hill.

“The house saw both ends of the spectrum,” Swanson said. “One end there was alcohol in the early 1800s and then it went to no alcohol at all.”

Call said the house served as a two-family house during the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

“There used to be a sprung floor dance floor that was used for parties and dances,” Call said. “Travelers would stop and stay upstairs. It’s sad to lose it as a property.”

Above is a hand drawing in an Atlas of the house, provided by the Genesee County History Department. 

Shortly after midnight, the New York State Assembly passed an omnibus bill that clears up a logjam of legislative initiatives legislators had been wrangling over and which threatened funding for municipal governments, including Genesee County, the City of Batavia and the towns and villages.

This morning County Manager Jay Gsell said the passage of the bill was a good start.

It still needs to pass the Senate, which is expected to return to session today to take up the bill.

Local governments were in danger of losing as much as $8 million in revenue without an extension of a portion of sales tax charged in the county. The state charges a 4-percent sales tax. The county has permanent authority to charge 3 percent, but the next 1 percent must be periodically renewed by state legislation. Typically, it's been automatically renewed every two years, but this year it was held up when the extender legislation was wrapped into legislation to also extend mayoral authority over schools in New York City.

The omnibus bill extends the sales tax for three years.

It also authorizes the naming of a new multibillion-dollar bridge spanning the Hudson River after Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, father of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

The bill also provides $50 million in relief for victims of Lake Ontario flooding.

The Batavia Concert Band opened its 2017 season Wednesday evening in Centennial Park with John Bailey conducting.

The season continues with outdoor concerts at the park every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 9.

A Montclair Avenue resident who was caught in the act of burglarizing a business on State Street Road, Batavia, in April, entered a guilty plea in County Court on Wednesday to a Class E felony of attempted burglary.

The plea deal gives Ann Capuano, 32, a chance to complete a substance abuse program and have her conviction reduced.

In April, Capuano entered the business on State Street Road and when confronted by the owner and an employee, brandished a knife. She then fled on a bicycle and was apprehended by a police a short time later.

Enter terms of the plea, Capuano was released under supervision so she could be transferred from jail to a residential rehabilitation program in Buffalo.

She will also be evaluated for a program called a judicial diversion, which could have her case transferred to Drug Court.

She is scheduled to appear in County Court again July 24 for a hearing on her potential eligibility for judicial diversion.

Daniel J. Gilbert, 25, of Tracy Avenue in Batavia, was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to four years in prison and five years parole for his part in an attack on residents of Central Avenue.

In the beginning of May, Gilbert was supposed to be sentenced on a guilty plea, but after a disagreement between the attorneys on the case, the matter was postponed. 

Gilbert was part of the  attack that occurred around 11 p.m. on Oct. 28 in an apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia, that involved several people, resulting in at least two people being treated and released at the hospital.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said in court, that they were adjusting the prior agreement made on Feb. 8.

“We have an agreement to clarify or modify our prior agreement,” Friedman said. “That is that the defendant’s plea to attempted burglary in the second degree, a Class D felony, will stand.”

Friedman said they also agreed to an imposed sentence of four years, with five years of post-release supervision.

He was charged with the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony. Gilbert was accused of knowingly entering an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia, with the intent to commit a crime, and when entering or fleeing from the dwelling, he or other participants caused physical injury to a person.

In count two, Gilbert was accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. Gilbert caused physical injury to a person.

A customer intervened this morning when an apparent shoplifter attempting to make off with a cart full of tools at Home Depot tried to load them into his vehicle.

The suspect reportedly struck one person with the vehicle -- no word on injuries -- and also hit two other cars while fleeing the scene.

The suspect vehicle was later located on the Thruway by State Police, but the suspect has not yet been located.

The incident was reported at 9:52 a.m., at Home Depot, 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Several items were recovered and the Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $236,072 in federal funding for the City of Batavia Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“The AFG program helps community fire departments access federal funding to protect their members and keep the communities they serve safe,” Congressman Chris Collins said. “This is an excellent and prudent use of federal money and it provides a tremendous service to communities here in New York’s 27^th Congressional District.

"I was proud to work with the City of Batavia Fire Department to secure this $236,072 in AFG funding and thank them for the selfless service they provide.”

The City of Batavia Fire Department will use this $236,072 federal grant to purchase 25 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs. This will provide the City of Batavia Fire Department with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

“This important grant funding will help us purchase equipment that will keep our firefighters safe and allow them to better protect the City of Batavia and surrounding communities,” said Stefano Napolitano, chief of the City of Batavia Fire Department.

“We appreciate Congressman Collins efforts on behalf of our local first responders and look forward to continuing to work with him to secure important grant funding for our department in the future.”

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

The Sheriff's Office is investigating a single-vehicle accident that was reported about 1 a.m. at 2964 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia.

The driver, Kevin Veazey, 37, of Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, was transported by Mercy EMS to Erie County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

Veazey's 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup truck went off the roadway and hit a culvert. 

The Sheriff's Office reports that charges are pending.

Town of Batavia fire also responded to the scene.

Press release:

Father Ivan celebrated Mass at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph site) to honor the 28 students who are moving on to high school in the fall.

Many of these eighth-grade students participated in their own Graduation Mass by saying the readings, reciting prayers and singing in the choir. A special moment of the Mass was when, after Communion, graduating eighth-grader Ariana deSa e Frias beautifully sang “Ave Maria” to everyone’s family and friends.

After Mass, Principal Karen Green, as well as many of the eighth-grade teachers, presented awards to honor all of these hardworking students.  Students received Honor Roll Awards, Music Awards, Excellence Awards as well as many other special Achievement Awards.

In addition, miore than $7,000 was given out in scholarships to those students attending Notre Dame High School in the fall. Congratulations to these St. Joseph Catholic School graduates!

A pedestrian has been struck in the parking of Home Depot on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE: The suspect vehicle left the scene. Police are looking for a red four-door Nissan, Virginia plates, which may have been heading to the Thruway. The driver is described as black and wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts.

In response to our request, Assemblyman Steve Hawley provided the following statement on the issue of extending the 1-percent addition to local sales tax:

“At this point, we know very little about whether the Legislature plans to congruently pass local tax extenders. The Senate has already passed the Genesee County 1% tax extender that will be in effect until November 30, 2019, as well as the Orleans County tax extender.

"But the issue is that Assembly leadership chose to pass all local tax bills in one omnibus bill this year, instead of separately as they have done in almost all years past. Genesee and Orleans counties will be looking at approximate $9.3 million and $3.8 million revenue shortfalls, respectively.

"Essentially, the Assembly is holding tax extenders hostage, claiming that they have already fulfilled their obligation to counties. We are not sure at this point whether tax extenders will be addressed in Wednesday’s special legislative session, but it is time to put politics aside and compromise in order to avoid a major fiscal deficit in Genesee and Orleans counties,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia).

Previously: Inaction in Albany could deliver $8 million revenue blow to local governments

Chad Allen Cooper, 21, of Emily Court, Bergen, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Cooper was allegedly found in possession of three different controlled substances while in the Genesee County Courts facility. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Cody Everett Carpenter, 24, of Rutgers Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Carpenter was stopped at 9:46 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Dave Burke finished the mural on the back of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, dedicating it to Eileen Almquist, better known as "Tally."

Almquist was the director of the Byron-Bergen Public Library before she retired in 1993 and she was also the town historian for 21 years.

The Bergen Town Board approved the mural and gave Burke the idea of depicting a train, because it is a part of Bergen. 

Nancy Bailey, the manager of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, said when she walked in the building every morning the parking lot was boring. She originally just wanted flowers painted on the wall, but said she is really excited about the final product. 

Derrick M. Williams, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree menacing; endangering the welfare of a child; and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Williams was arrested following an incident at 4:08 p.m. on June 21 at 7 Willow St., Batavia, wherein he allegedly threatened multiple people with knives. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on June 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Elizabeth A. Denise, 36, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. On June 25, Batavia police responded to Hutchins Street for a possible overdose. They found that Denise had allegedly gone unconscious while using an unknown drug and while being the sole caregiver to an 8-month-old infant. She was transported to UMMC and issued an appearance ticket for the charge. She is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Douglas G. Bryant Jr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment. On June 19, Bryant was arrested after allegedlt yelling and swearing outside his residence at 10:05 p.m. on June 19 and he allegedly threatened police. He was jailed on $500 cash or bond and was due back in City Court on June 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kyle J. Burdick, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and third-degree unlicensed operation. Burdick was arrested on the charges after an investigation into a traffic complaint which occurred at 6:17 p.m. on June 24 at 600 Ellicott St. in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 11, and was issued a traffic citation returnable to City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Thomas A. Carson, 41, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary of a dwelling. Carson was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 9:54 p.m. on June 24 on Wood Street. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Monday (June 26). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Mitchell Cowen.

Pamela J. Morris, 38, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Morris was arrested following an investigation into a complaint alleging that she sent Facebook messages on June 21 to a protected party in violation of a court order. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 38, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On June 21, Batavia police responded to a Manhattan Avenue residence for a domestic incident and the violation of an order of protection. Upon the patrols' arrival, Griffin Sr. had left the area. While patrols were on scene, he returned and was arrested. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or bond. He was due in City Court on June 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 38, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly struck a person and broke some property at 9:36 p.m. on June 20 on Manhattan Avenue, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Stephanie Marie Wentworth, 31, of Augusta Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of child less than 17. Wentworth turned herself in on a warrant charging her with these crimes, which stem from a domestic incident that occurred at 9 a.m. on June 18 at the Bob Evans restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Felicia DeGroot.

Brandon J. March, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary -- illegal entry of a dwelling. He was arrested following an incident wherein he allegedly entered a residence on Cone Street in Batavia occupied by an individual who had an order of protection against him. He was due in City Court on June 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jacy William Lennon, 41, of Rohr Street, Rochester, is accused of failure to appear in court. He was arrested on June 24 on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for a scheduled court date related to an unspecified incident which occurred on Aug. 14, 2015. He was jailed on $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond and was due in court Monday (June 26). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

William Allen Andrews III, 37, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested at Genesee Justice on West Main Street, Batavia, at 10:05 a.m. on June 20 after allegedly failing to comply with the conditions of his being released from custody. He was jailed on $5,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Press release:

In recognition of the summer outdoor cooking season, City of Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano along with Fire Prevention Officer, Lieutenant Greg Ireland, and the City of Batavia Fire Department would like to remind all residents of several grilling fire safety tips.

Statistics

·       Grill fires cause an estimated $37 million dollars in property loss each year.

·       Almost half of home grill fires occur between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m.

·       57 percent of home grill fires occur during the months of May, June, July and August.

·       Patios, terraces, porches and courtyards are the leading home locations for grill fires.

·       79 percent of all home grill fires involve gas grills.

·       Mechanical failure/malfunctions is the leading cause of gas grill fires while grease buildup is the second leading cause.

General Safety

Grills must be used outdoors. Use of grills indoors or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, garages, etc., pose both a fire hazard and risk of exposure to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

• Position the grill 15 feet away from siding, deck railing, other combustibles, and out from eaves or overhanging vegetation.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area -- declare a 3-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by heat.
• Never leave grills unattended. 

Charcoal Grills

• Only use approved charcoal lighter fluid for starting the grill.
• Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to light charcoal.
• Do not add lighter fluid to coals that have already been ignited.
• Keep unused charcoal dry. Wet charcoal becomes a fire hazard as it dries out through the process of spontaneous combustion.
• Before disposing of charcoal ashes, allow them to cool thoroughly. Keep them either in the grill or in a metal container until cool, then stir the ashes before disposal to make sure they are completely out.

Liquid Propane (LP) Gas Grills

• Inspect the gas cylinder hose and connections for leaks before using the grill for the first time each year.
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and all connections; any leaks will be quickly revealed in the form of bubbles.
• If you discover a leak either by smell or by the soap test and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank valve and the grill. If the leak stops, have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not   stop, call the fire department.
• Be sure to open the lid of your gas grill before lighting.
• If you smell gas while cooking or see any fire outside the grill box, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. DO NOT attempt to move the grill.

As always, If a resident has any questions or concerns regarding any of these tips, they can contact the City of Batavia Fire Department Headquarters at 585-345-6375.

Local governments in Genesee County stand to lose $8 million in sales tax revenue for 2018 because the State Legislature has failed to pass legislation that would allow the county to collect an extra 1 percent in sales tax.

Every two years, the Senate and Assembly must pass legislation that allows Genesee County, along with 52 other counties in the state, to collect that extra 1 percent.

This session, that didn't happen, because of a tussle in Albany over extending mayoral control of New York City schools. The sales tax extension, along with extensions related to mortgage tax and bed tax, got caught in the crossfire.

County Manager Jay Gsell informed members of the County Legislature yesterday of the bad news, but this morning he said he was feeling hopeful after Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered legislators to return to Albany for an extraordinary session.

The governor has the authority to order senators and assembly members to return to session, but he can't require them to take up the agenda he requests. It is Cuomo's wish, however, that legislators take up the NYC schools issue.

The hang up over the legislation appears to be in the Senate. This morning, we requested a comment from Sen. Micheal Ranzenhofer and have yet to receive a response.

In New York, the state has an across-the-board 4 percent sales tax. In the 1980s, the State Legislature allowed counties to impose a local 3 percent sales tax, in part, according to Gsell, to offset the new Medicaid mandate. Counties then had the option to tack on another 1 percent sales tax, but that tax must be reauthorized every two years.

Until this year, that reauthorization has been pretty much automatic.

In Genesee County, under current agreements, the county keeps half of the 4 percent in local sales tax, and the other half is divided between the city, villages and towns.

Prior to this morning's announcement by the governor, it didn't look like the Legislature would take up the extension issue until the fall, which Gsell said would be too late for the county's 2018 budgeting timeline, with a requirement for a completed budget by Thanksgiving for the County Legislature to approve.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: Daniel Aikin, spokesman for Sen. Ranzenhofer, provided this statement:

The New York State Senate approved legislation to extend Genesee County's sales tax on June 8th. It passed by a vote of 58 to 3. The existing sales tax extension expires November 30th of this year. The bill was delivered to the New York State Assembly on June 8th. Weeks later, the Assembly still has not taken action on the bill.

Unfortunately, the New York City dominated State Assembly failed to act, causing an unnecessary and avoidable budget issue for municipalities. If the State Assembly does not pass this legislation, then the budgets of cities, towns, and villages across Genesee County will be negatively impacted. Senator Ranzenhofer is hopeful that the State Assembly will take action before it is too late.