Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held on February 24th in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us
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State budget talks continue in Albany as various state agencies plea for money from the legislature. State Senator John Bonacic said he was surprised that the state’s Homeland Security budget & mission has changed:

(Bonacic 2-17-16)

Lawmakers & the Governor have until April 1st to get the budget deal finished.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office has obtained a judgment against home improvement contractors who ripped of customers in the Southern Tier by going door-to-door seeking to pave or repair driveways and perform roof repairs, and quoting prices that were significantly inflated after the customers agreed to the work. Schneiderman obtained a judgment against “N. Cooper Paving.” The Coopers are prohibited by court order from engaging in the home improvements until they file a $100,000 performance bond with the Attorney General’s Office & pay $23,900 in restitution to customers & pay $7,000 in penalties to the State. Consumers who believe that they have been ripped off by The Cooper’s may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by April 11th.
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Power outages in the Albany area have affected service at motor vehicle departments all over the state today. All license transactions cannot be performed, but all other DMV transactions can take place normally.
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NYSEG reports approximately 480 customers in Chenango County were without electricity this afternoon due to a failure at the Cincinnatus Substation. Power was out in South Otselic, Georgetown, Pitcher and Pharsalia areas, NYSEG officials reported that they expect power will be restored shortly.
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Town of Hancock Supervisor Sam Rowe announced today that the state of emergency in the Town of Hancock has been lifted. All roads in the town of Hancock are now open.
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Chenango County Farm Bureau has scheduled a public informational meeting on leasing land to solar energy companies. The meeting will be held at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney at 7:00 pm tonight. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers explains:

(Bradd Vickers 2-16-16)

Vickers said that an Attorney, an Environmental Scientist and an Accountant would be present to provide information to area property owners before leasing their property.
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Governor Cuomo announced New York’s participation in the bipartisan Governors’ Energy Accord Coalition, to develop and implement clean energy policies and initiatives that expand clean energy sources, modernize energy infrastructure and build a clean energy economy. The action follows the Governor’s announcement in January of a $5 billion Clean Energy Fund, which is part of New York State’s overall commitment to fight against climate change.
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The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will hold their February Networking Luncheon today from 11:45am to 1:30pm At the Holiday Inn of Oneonta. The keynote speaker is Aaron MacLeod, the Director of Hartwick College’s New Center for Craft Food & Beverage. Assemblyman Pete Lopez will also speak on agriculture.
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Otsego county public health will be at the Foxcare Center in Oneonta form 9:00 to 3:00 today, to provide bicycle helmet fittings for both adults & children. All bike helmets are $5 for those who qualify.
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Chenango Arts Council Fundraiser at Gilligan’s in Sherburne at 64 North Main Street today from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. part of the proceeds will go to benefit the Chenango Arts Council, more information is available at 336-ARTS.