Morning News Briefing
Written by Tom Tharp on April 14, 2020
For the past several years Batavia has been getting close to $450,000 dollars from New York State, so-called VLT aid. It is supposed to cover the city’s added expenses for having Batavia Downs within its border.
This year, the VLT money was taken out of the budget …a move that would have resulted in a 7 ½ percent city property tax increase.
That VLT money was finally restored to the state budget but council members last night said they’ll believe it when they see it.
Council, meeting in a video conference session last night, expressed concern over future budgets citing COVID-19 impacts on sales tax and other revenues.
Latest coronavirus numbers from the county health department:
Two new positive cases: one from the city.
Of the tow new cases one person is in their 30’s, the other in their 90’s.
The total number of infections in Genesee County: 76.
The death toll due to the coronavirus has reached a grim milestone in New York State. Officials say over 10,000 residents have died after becoming infected. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of the virus is more than 195,000.
Devon Wright
Batavia Police asking for help in locating a person of interest in last week’s car-pedestrian accident on Highland Park. Police say they want to talk with Devon Wright. No further information about him was released.
One man was injured last Wednesday when a car backed into a house…and the driver fled the scene.
The High Wind Warning for Genesee County expired hours early.
The 60 mile per hour gusts, fortunately, never materialized.
The National Weather Service reported that peak gusts in Batavia only reached the mid 40-mile per hour range.
The warning was canceled at 9:00 last night.
