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Salem BOE Confronts $2 Million Budget Gap
The Salem Central School Board of Education held a budget workshop to address a projected $2 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year. Financial analyst Dr. Rick Timbs presented a detailed analysis, highlighting the district’s fiscal challenges and long-term planning strategies.
Fort Miller Group Becomes 100% Employee-Owned and Expands Operations
The Fort Miller Group has announced its transition to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), effective January 1, 2025. The company also expanded its operations with the acquisition of the former SCA/Essity facility in Middle Falls, NY, to support growth and local employment.
Cambridge Considers Options for Budget
Cambridge Central School District is grappling with a significant budget shortfall that could impact educational programs, extracurricular activities, and staffing. With projected deficits reaching $1.35 million this year and rising costs for health insurance and special education, the district presented three scenarios to address the gap, ranging from preserving programs with a tax cap override to enacting severe cuts under a contingency budget. As the board considers the options, community input and transparency remain priorities.
Heavier Electric School Buses Raise Concerns for Local Road Maintenance
Local municipalities are voicing concerns about the increased wear and tear on roads caused by heavier electric school buses. As school districts transition to more sustainable transportation, officials worry about the long-term impact on road maintenance budgets.
“We’re Losing Ground”: DA Jordan, Local Officials Join Growing Call for Action as State Human Trafficking Report Reveals Rural Vulnerabilities
Washington County District Attorney J. Anthony Jordan is sounding the alarm on the growing challenges of combating human trafficking in rural areas, following the release of a New York State Assembly Minority Conference report. The report highlights how recent bail reform laws and inadequate emergency housing have left victims with fewer options for safety and support. Jordan criticized the removal of judicial discretion, which has hindered interventions and allowed traffickers to operate with impunity. Local officials are calling for increased funding, legislative changes, and standardized training to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
Proposed State Law Could Override Local Battery Storage Regulations
A new bill in the New York State Senate, S5506, could significantly impact local control over large-scale battery energy storage projects, potentially overriding town moratoriums and zoning regulations in Washington and Rensselaer counties.