Wednesday News Brief

Batavia Council Passes $42M Budget After Debate Over New Fire Department Position

Batavia City Council approved a $42 million city budget Monday night in a 7–2 vote.
The plan includes a $24.5 million general fund, which is up about $2.1 million from last year. The city’s property tax levy will increase by about $226,000 to just over $7.47 million, but the estimated tax rate is expected to drop slightly to $8.34 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Council members Nick Lord and Sammy Di Salvo voted against the budget, saying they wanted more discussion before the final vote.
Much of the debate focused on funding for a new full-time assistant fire chief position, expected to cost between about $170,000 and $190,000. Some residents argued the money would be better spent on Department of Public Works staffing and issues like clearing sidewalks.
Fire Chief Joshua Graham said the position is needed as the department’s call volume has doubled over the past decade, adding that the role would help with training, compliance, and long-term planning for the department.

Alexander Residents Invited to Public Workshop on Comprehensive Plan

Residents in the Town and Village of Alexander are being invited to help shape the community’s future at an upcoming public workshop on a new Comprehensive Plan.
The plan will guide long-term decisions on growth, development, infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and economic development in both municipalities. Officials say community input is a key part of the process.
The public workshop will be held Tuesday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fireman’s Hall on Alexander Road in Attica. The event will follow an open house format, allowing residents to drop in anytime to review early findings, share feedback, and speak with project consultants and local leaders.
The planning effort is funded through the New York State Department of State’s Environmental Protection Fund.

U.S. Intensifies Iran Strikes as Regional Attacks and Casualties Rise

The war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran is escalating, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Tuesday could be the most intense day yet of American strikes inside Iran.
U.S. military officials say Iran’s missile attacks have dropped about 90 percent, but Tehran continues launching drones and missiles across the region. Authorities say attacks Tuesday hit several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, causing deaths and injuries while air defenses intercepted additional drones over Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump told lawmakers the conflict could be a short operation but warned the U.S. would escalate attacks if Iran attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
The conflict has already killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, nearly 400 in Lebanon, and at least 11 in Israel. Pentagon officials also say about 140 U.S. troops have been wounded during the fighting, including eight with severe injuries.
The war, now entering its second week, continues to raise concerns about a wider regional conflict and disruptions to global energy markets.

Le Roy Schools to Split Jr./Sr. High Leadership Into Two Divisions

The Le Roy Central School District is restructuring leadership at its Jr./Sr. High School to better address the needs of younger and older students.
The Board of Education voted Tuesday night to split the school into separate junior high and senior high divisions beginning July 1. Officials say the move reflects the different developmental needs of students in grades 7 and 8 compared with those in grades 9 through 12.
Under the new structure, the current principal and assistant principal roles will transition into a senior high school principal for grades 9 through 12 and a junior high school principal for grades 7 and 8. The junior high principal will also serve as athletic director. All six grades will remain on the same campus.
The board approved Jamie Clark as the new junior high school principal and athletic director. Clark will remain assistant principal and athletic director through June 30 before taking over the new role July 1. The district will begin searching for a senior high school principal, also starting July 1, while Thomas Kopp continues as interim principal through the end of June.
Superintendent Merritt Holly says the restructuring is part of broader administrative adjustments aimed at maintaining an efficient and fiscally responsible leadership structure while supporting students’ academic and developmental needs.

Sgt. Sanfratello Memorial Ride Planned for Aug. 15 in Alexander

Organizers are planning the second annual Sgt. Sanfratello Memorial Ride for Aug. 15 at the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall in Attica, though the date is tentative pending final approval from the fire hall and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
The event honors Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, a Genesee County Sheriff’s Office road patrol sergeant who died in the line of duty on March 10, 2024, at age 54. Sanfratello served with the sheriff’s office for more than three decades and was twice named Deputy of the Year.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the escorted ride leaving at 11. Motorcycles, cars, trucks and emergency vehicles are welcome to participate.
Admission is one small unwrapped toy or a cash donation. Toys will be donated to Genesee County Social Services for Christmas distribution, while cash proceeds will benefit the Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello Scholarship Fund and the county’s Shop with a Cop program. The event will also feature raffles and food available for purchase.

Chaldean Catholic Bishop Resigns Amid $270K Embezzlement Charges

A Chaldean Catholic bishop in the San Diego area has resigned after being charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his parish.
Emanuel Shaleta, 69, pleaded not guilty Monday to 16 felony charges including money laundering. Prosecutors allege he embezzled about $270,000 from St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon, east of San Diego.
Authorities say Shaleta was arrested last week at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the country. Prosecutors claim monthly rental payments of more than $30,000 from a church tenant were missing, with discrepancies found in parish financial records.
Shaleta has denied wrongdoing, saying he never misused church funds. His bail was set at $125,000 and his passport was seized. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta’s resignation and appointed Saad Hanna Sirop as temporary administrator. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for April 27.