Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oneida County, New York public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in business jobs
Oneida County College Corps internship funding
The College Corps pays local college juniors and seniors minimum-wage internships in their chosen fields, with 173 students placed at 54 Oneida County employers this year. The $90,000 transfer covers roughly 25 added interns as the program shifts interns from the county payroll onto employers' payrolls with county reimbursement.
'All In Oneida County' tourism rebrand
Oneida County signed on to a 550-mile statewide historic byway honoring Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, but not before local legislators pressed hard on what it means for signs, mowing and local control in Vernon and Verona. Town of Vernon has refused to sign on, citing home rule, and the county's support resolution now moves to the full board.
$300,000 Small Business Grant Program
The county will apply for state CDBG money to help very small businesses — five or fewer employees — create or keep jobs. No local tax dollars are required.
Automation Training Center at MVCC with Fabmatics USA
A $3.2 million, five-year deal with Fabmatics USA will outfit an Automation Training Center at MVCC's Utica campus, with SUNY expected to cover the county's share.
Quantum computing lab expansion at county airport
Griffiths Institute is renting hangar space for a second quantum computing lab at Griffiss, with revenue flowing to the county through the lease. Legislators discussed how rapidly quantum technology is advancing and its connection to dark fiber and drone testing at the airfield.
Regional Market Authority leadership change
Jeff Golden replaces Keith Schiebel on the Central New York Regional Market Authority. Schiebel reported the authority cut its deficit from $5 million to $3 million and is designing a $30 million upgrade, with possible joint state funding of up to $75 million with the Syracuse region.
Chobani project consultant spending
A local law lets the county hand over land and utility easements at Griffiss without competitive bidding, to get gas, electric and communication lines to the Chobani triangle site in Rome.
Dairy Month and agricultural economy
Farmer Ben Simons highlighted Oneida County's 90 dairy farms, 18,000 cows and the coming Chobani plant, while warning about the New World Screwworm pest reaching the U.S. and pressures on dairy prices.
County airport federal and state grants and lease
Advance approval of FAA and NYSDOT grant agreements plus a lease with CYPEP, Inc. keeps airport operations and funding moving.