Onondaga County Legislature

10/20/2026

It's Committee Meeting Week here at the Onondaga County Legislature and our legislators are meeting to review key updates, informational briefings, and resolutions to keep the county moving forward.

Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda:

Tues. 10.20 Environmental Protection
• Overview from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the Onondaga County Superfund Site
• Water Environment Protection: 2026 transfer resolution and discussion of the 2023 bond authorization

Wed. 10.21 Health & Human Services
• Overview of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society
• Children & Family Services: 2026 transfer resolution

Wed. 10.21 Planning & Economic Development
• Safe Streets Onondaga Action Plan (informational)
• Update on the County Data Center Study

Tues. 10.27 County Facilities
• 2026 transfer resolution
• The OnCenter: Discussion of operating procedures and finances

We're also discussing upcoming vacancies for outside boards and commissions. If you or someone you know is interested in learning how how to volunteer on a public board, send us a resume or inquiry at [email protected].

Key Resources:
• All meetings are livestreamed on our Onondaga County Legislature YouTube page http://youtube.com/
• Agendas are available on our website at https://tinyurl.com/ocl-meetingagendas

10/16/2026

Legislature Chairwoman Nicole Watts sits down with NewsChannel 9 Newsmakers to discuss the culmination of the County Budget, how the Legislature partnered to identify shared priorities throughout a year’s worth of engagement, and what investments are coming to housing through ON HOME.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — In this episode of NewsMakers, Senior Reporter Andrew Donovan sits down with Nicole Watts, Charwoman of the Onondaga County Legislature to discuss the budget proces…

09/16/2026

The County Legislature formally began reviewing County Executive McMahon’s proposed 2027 Executive Budget. The County Executive presented the budget to the Onondaga County Legislature Tuesday, as is required under Article VI of the County Administrative Code.

The approximately $1.7B spending plan covers all County funds and is 5.6% more than the 2026 Adopted Budget. The budget includes initiatives focused on investing in people as well as economic investments.

Follow our budget series to digest 38 presentations across 10 days + 1 public hearing.

Proposed spending plan cuts property tax rate 9% and highlights aligned spending on Housing and Human Services needs ahead of legislative review SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The County Legislature formally begun […]

09/11/2026

25 years is a lifetime for some and an indelible memory for others. Today Leg. Burtis (3rd District), Leg. Bush (13th District), Majority Leader Hernandez (17th District) and Leg. Brown (15th District) joined others in honoring and reflecting on the 25th year since 9/11.

Thank you to the heroes of that time who saved and defended lives, whether in service, crisis, or as volunteers. Thank you to the heroes of these times who ensure that we continue to honor and respect life and liberty.

“These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of America’s resolve.” — Former U.S. President George W. Bush.

09/10/2026

Statement from Chairwoman Nicole Watts on Advancing the Compromise Local Law on Term Limits

“On Sept. 1 the County Legislature advanced the Compromise Local Law on Term limits to the County Executive for Signature. Earlier this week, we received it and today we advanced it to the Board of Elections to be placed on the ballot.

Voters spoke up and were overwhelmingly heard. As we close out this chapter on a local law, we're proud that a win for voters is a win for all.”

09/03/2026

🚨 UPDATE 🚨 Due to an overwhelming response, as of Friday, Sept. 4 we are no longer accepting applications. What a way to tap in, Facebook! 🤯

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WE’RE HIRING 💼

We’re hiring a Clerical Assistant to support the Office of the Clerk during the Onondaga County Legislature’s September budget session.

This is:
• a part‑time/seasonal role (25 hours/week)
• From Sept. 8–Oct. 9
• Skills: administrative experience, strong organizational skills, and interest in public-sector

Ideal for someone who is detail‑oriented, organized, and interested in gaining hands-on experience in a government setting.

The Clerical Assistant will help with document processing, meeting preparation, records management, and general office support—critical work that helps keep our legislative operations running smoothly during a peak period.

📧 Send resume to [email protected]
📤 Subject Line: “Clerical Assistant Application”
🔔 Hiring Urgently

09/01/2026

What you doin’? Where you at? Oh you got plans…

EVENT REMINDER: Tonight our citizen advisory board shares their work and proposals on creating safer streets and better and more housing to strengthen neighborhoods. Come down and engage. We’ll need your help shaping the future of housing and transportation in our county.

See you at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub by CenterState at 5:30 p.m. tonight🫡

08/07/2026

GOOD FOOD NY RESOLUTION IS GOOD FOR ONONDAGA COUNTY, PASSES LEGISLATURE

This week, Legislator Ellen Block (District 5) and co-sponsor David H. Knapp (District 12) presented a food-access resolution calling on the Governor to sign the Good Food NY Bill. The resolution was discussed earlier this month during the Legislature’s Planning & Economic Development Committee. It passed the Legislature this week with broad bipartisan support. The Good Food NY Bill (S.7638.B/ A.8091.B) allows municipalities to bypass the "lowest bidder" requirement for food contracts. Cities and towns can instead award contracts to vendors who fulfill standards aligned with the organization’s values, such as prioritizing sourcing from New York farms.

“The high rate of food insecurity across Onondaga County is a pressing issue,” Leg. Ellen Block said. “Our bill calls upon the Governor to sign the Good Food Bill. The extra funds we would receive from the state would strengthen our County in numerous ways – from supporting small farming businesses to supporting children and families by introducing additional food into the supply chain at a time when budget cuts put unnecessary strain on those who need help the most. As we are soon to enter a new school year, the sooner NY state can adopt the Good Food bill, the sooner we can begin work to champion Onondaga County locals.”

“Access to healthy, local, food is an issue that touches every individual. As elected officials, it is our job to find creative solutions to support our community’s health and economy. The Good Food bill is good for Onondaga County farmers and for our local economy,” said Leg. Knapp.