Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chemung County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues
Lecom Center Redevelopment Success
Elmira College will play its men's and women's home hockey games at the Leecom Center, securing the venue's future. Legislators credited Chairman Margeson and the IDA board for the deal with a local businessman who bought the arena.
2027 Budget Process and Sales Tax Distribution
The tentative 2027 budget hadn't arrived by the day it was due, forcing the county into a compressed review window before the public hearing. A legislator called it another example of administration problems.
Battery energy storage moratorium
A constituent letter about a proposed battery energy storage project by Sol America on Hillcrest Road prompted Legislator Palmer to call for a county local law to keep such facilities out of Chemung County. Many towns and villages have already imposed moratoriums, though limits on their duration were discussed.
Short-Term Rental Registration and Occupancy Tax
New York now requires short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO to collect sales and lodging tax. The Treasurer's office signed on with a vendor to identify non-compliant rentals, with an occupancy tax audit planned for early 2027.
County Annual Financial Audit and Process Findings
The audit flagged late departmental data submissions and stale uncashed checks dating to 2014. The Treasurer has cut the stale check balance from over $500,000 to under $100,000 and is tightening internal controls.
Sewer District Scale of Charges and Debt Repayment
Legislators scrutinized major change orders and overall progress on the $275 million sewer consolidation project, discussing ratepayer impacts and financing.
Election Turnout
Early voting has kicked off in Chemung County, and lots of people are already heading to the polls to beat the Election Day rush. If you want to skip the long lines next month, you can cast your ballot right now.
Elmira Corning Regional Airport Runway Rehabilitation
The county is preparing for an $11.4 million project to rehabilitate the main runway at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport in August 2027, which will require a 37-day airport closure and temporary suspension of commercial flights.
Election Information
Early voting dates and locations have been released for Chemung County, so you can figure out when and where to cast your ballot before Election Day. It's time to make a plan to vote so your voice is heard.
Owner-Occupied Critical Repair Program
The land bank is reviewing how to evaluate applicant assets, such as retirement accounts, when determining eligibility for home repair grants. They are considering adopting standardized HUD guidelines to ensure fair and consistent treatment for all applicants.
Property Disposition and Rehabilitation Projects
Developers are converting the historic Booth Elementary School into 58 market-rate apartments and commercial space, seeking tax and mortgage exemptions.
Downtown Mixed-Use Building Redevelopment & Pilot
Walgreens representatives asked the IDA for a 10-year tax agreement to keep the 402 North Main Street store open. The company cites steep losses driven by pharmacy benefit managers reimbursing far below operating costs.
2027 CCRC Operating Budget
The Capital Resource Corporation is keeping its 2027 budget at a balanced $10,000, funded entirely by the IDA to cover audit costs and administrative help from STAG. Because there are no bond projects planned, day-to-day operations are expected to stay very quiet.
Recurrent Energy HB1 Solar Project & Big Flats Impact Fee
The IDA is reviewing a preliminary request from a public entity to study a solar project on agency-owned land on Fyler Road.
CCIDA 2027 Proposed Budget
The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency reviewed its $815,000 spending and revenue plan for the upcoming year. The budget balances conservative revenue estimates from fees and rentals with operational needs and economic development marketing.
Chemung County Airport Lease Controversy and Transparency
Legislators discussed delays in finalizing a county land lease for Carrington Aviation at the former warplane museum site, potentially stalling economic growth and tax revenue.