County Spending of Public Funds

A key role of a County Legislator is to vote on the Onondaga County budget each year. The budget review and voting process typically takes place each year in the fall, with final votes occurring in October. This year, on October 14, 2025, the Onondaga County Legislature adopted the 2026 Onondaga County budget, on a straight party line (Republican/Democrat) vote. You can find the adopted $1.6 billion budget here: https://onondaga.gov/finance/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/2025/09/2026-Executive-Budget-Book-Final.pdf.

I would like to take a moment to speak to some questions about 2026’s budget, and how it will impact District 9 residents.

1. How is Onondaga County responding to federal funding cuts to social services (in

particular, SNAP, Medicaid, and HEAP)?

The way that the budget is currently written does not take into account the federal funding cuts to Department of Social Services programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Per the below charts included in the Executive Budget Book, federal dollars are still being budgeted for social services programs. In the case that federal dollars do not come to fruition, I believe that it is the role of the County Legislature to advocate at the State level for additional support and, in the case that is not possible, I believe that we as a County have a responsibility to ensure that our residents have access to food, healthcare, and other public assistance programs

Onondaga County 2026 Budget: Distribution of Federal Aid (Source: 2026 Executive Budget Book, Pg 34)

Onondaga County 2025 Budget: Distribution of Federal Aid (Source: 2025 Adopted Budget Book, Pg. 35)

Left Image: Onondaga County 2026 Budget: Distribution of Federal Aid (Source: 2026 Executive Budget Book, Pg 34)

Right Image: Onondaga County 2025 Budget: Distribution of Federal Aid (Source: 2025 Adopted Budget Book, Pg. 35)

2. How is Onondaga County planning to fund initiatives related to Plan ONondaga?

Plan ONondaga was adopted as the County’s comprehensive economic development plan in 2023. The Plan is maintained and implemented by the Onondaga County Department of Planning, and some of the priorities reflected at some level in the budget relating to Plan ONondaga include:

• Further economic development and “creating places where people want to live, work, and recreate." This includes funds for CNY Arts, CNY Works, Early Childhood Alliance, and other programs.

• Protect and promote the County’s natural resources through Greenway and Blueway programs that are housed in the Department of Planning.

• Implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a multi-year strategic plan that outlines and plans for capital improvements to County infrastructure and facilities (including roads, sewers, and water infrastructure). This includes Onondaga Community College facilities improvements, emergency communications technology and center renovations, and water environment protection.

• An increase in agritourism grant programs to grow and enhance agritourism operations in partnership with local farms.

• Housing initiatives that include development of mixed-income housing, first time homebuyer programs, and home renovation/repair programs. This includes funding towards various programs that provide grants, partial grants, and deferred loans to approximately 150-200 low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners per year to rehabilitate their houses. It also allocates funds towards community health initiatives, including lead abatement, and other public health housing issues in our community.

As Onondaga County Legislator for District 9, I will work to advocate for equitable, community-informed development. I believe that we should take a proactive approach to the increased development in our area to ensure that our neighbors are not displaced and have the resources that they need to thrive.

3. What is included in the New York state Fiscal Year 2026 budget that will impact our community?

The 2026 New York State budget allocates funds towards infrastructure, education, and economic development initiatives in Central New York. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Road and pothole repair programs

• Improving housing affordability through investment in local affordable housing projects

• Support for manufacturer training programs and workforce development initiatives

• Aid to veterans in Onondaga County

• Support to the Onondaga County Water Authority

As Onondaga County Legislator for District 9, I will work to build relationships with state leaders to champion policies that best support our communities. I will work collaboratively with state and local leaders to ensure that our residents have adequate access to resources, and to inform policies grounded in equity.

Vote Nicole Watts for Onondaga County Legislator - District 9! Election Day is this Tuesday, November 4th. Start with your voice being heard with your vote, then let's work together to advocate for public dollars to be spent in a way that maximizes their potential impact on the public good.