Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on October 14, 2020
The City of Batavia was expecting to take a huge financial hit from COVID-19, but today, the future doesn’t look as grim. Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski is slightly more optimistic. What that means is, it’s still bad, just…not as bad, which is good for taxpayers.
The Batavia City School District has created an executive director of operations position as part of a reshuffling of jobs that has reduced the number of employees on its administrative leadership team. The district saved about $70,000 in the move.
Due to the Columbus Day holiday, both the Genesee and Orleans County health departments were closed Monday. There were no map, website or media updates over the weekend or on Monday. Updates were supposed to resume Tuesday but technology issues got in the way.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021…that from the Social Security Administration. The cost-of-living adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount.
Another statewide shutdown is possible, but not guaranteed, according to Gov. Cuomo. The state is keeping a close eye of clusters of COVID-19 hotspots that have emerged. Cuomo notes that hospitalizations are up, some because of the hot zones.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing & testing fire hydrants tomorrow and Friday from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of North of Main Street and East of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.
In Batavia…Citywide leaf collection will begin Monday and will continue until Nov. 20. Residents are asked to rake leaves into piles and leave them in the parkway (unbagged). Do not pile leaves around fire hydrants, trees or sign posts. Leaf piles should only contain leaves and no branches, grass clippings or other materials.
