Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on February 5, 2026
BATAVIA COUNCIL REVIEWS NEW JOBS, BUDGET PRESSURES AT WORKSHOP
New job proposals and rising costs were front and center Tuesday as Batavia City Council reviewed portions of the proposed $37.2 million budget for 2026–27.
One major request comes from the Fire Department, where Chief Josh Graham is seeking a new deputy fire chief position. The move would add more than $110,000 in salary plus benefits and is aimed at improving efficiency, safety oversight, and leadership as call volume continues to rise.
The department handled nearly 3,000 calls in 2025 — a record — averaging more than eight calls a day. Graham said officers are stretched thin managing both command duties and crews, creating safety concerns.
The proposed fire budget is just over $5.35 million, about $245,000 higher than last year.
City Clerk-Treasurer Heidi Parker also requested an administrative assistant to help with agendas, press releases, and succession planning, adding about $52,000 to her budget.
Council members also reviewed funding for the Batavia Development Corporation, YMCA summer recreation programs, and city celebrations, including the Memorial Day parade, as budget talks continue.
LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN LE ROY
If you’re looking for something to do tonight, Nick LeDuc is playing live at Smokin’ Eagle BBQ in Le Roy.
The show runs tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. LeDuc’s sound blends funk, blues, rock, and folk, a little bit of everything for a laid-back night out.
Grab a drink, bring a friend, and enjoy live music at the Smokin’ Eagle BBQ tonight.
Trump Administration Pulls Back Some Immigration Officers in Minnesota
The Trump administration is reducing the number of federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants, according to border czar Tom Homan.
Homan says the drawdown comes after weeks of unrest in the Twin Cities, including escalating protests and the fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti — the second deadly encounter involving federal officers in Minneapolis.
However, Homan did not give a timeline for when the operation might fully end. He says a broader withdrawal will only happen once protesters stop interfering with immigration arrests and blocking federal operations.
Homan added that cooperation from local jails is key, arguing that transferring inmates directly to ICE reduces the need for agents to conduct arrests in the community.
Genesee Community College Earns National Cash Management Honor
Genesee Community College has been recognized with the 2025 90+ cashVest Award, honoring excellence in public-sector cash and liquidity management. The award is presented by three+one, a national financial technology firm that evaluates how public institutions manage taxpayer dollars.
GCC earned the distinction by maintaining a cashVest score of 90 or higher for four straight quarters, highlighting strong financial oversight and long-term stability.
College President Dr. Craig Lamb credited GCC’s Finance and Operations team for their responsible stewardship, noting the honor is especially meaningful as it was presented by GCC alumnus and three+one CEO Garrett Macdonald.
Ellicott Station Developers Refile Lawsuit Against GCEDC
Developers of the long-delayed Ellicott Station project have refiled a lawsuit against the Genesee County Economic Development Center, now accusing the agency of discrimination tied to low-income housing.
The suit, filed Monday in Genesee County Supreme Court, claims the GCEDC improperly terminated financial incentive agreements after objecting to the income makeup of tenants selected through a public housing lottery. Attorneys for Ellicott Station LLC argue the agency took issue with the number of Section 8 voucher holders and lower employment levels among selected tenants—actions they say violate state human rights law and the project’s own non-discrimination rules.
The mixed-use development on Ellicott Street includes 55 apartments and a planned commercial component. While the project originally targeted market-rate tenants, it later shifted to low-income housing to close financing gaps and secure state funding.
The lawsuit alleges the GCEDC’s actions led to halted construction, loss of financing, and millions of dollars in damages. GCEDC officials say they are reviewing the filing and will respond through counsel.
