Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says furloughs, layoffs & budget cuts possible to address revenue shortfall By Luke Perry
There were 31 new coronavirus cases in Oneida County over the weekend, raising the total to 200. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente (R) told Talk of the Town (WUTQ in Utica) the county “knew these days were going to come,” but it is still “pretty shocking.”
Last week, Oneida County experienced its highest single day infection increase. Picente said “we’re testing more, that’s part of it,” and contact continues, even with physical distance guidelines in place. He explained that “essential workers are still moving around,” as many people do not reside in the town where they work.
Oneida County is home to 3 cities and 26 towns. Picente said “there is a case everywhere in this county- every town, city and village.”
When asked about some rural constituents who have not complied with health restrictions, believing the pandemic is a hoax, Picente said that “is really bizarre given people are dying.”
Picente believes “80 percent plus are complying and get it.” He finds it unfortunate the other 20 percent may not accept the reality of the situation until they, or someone they love, are infected.
Photo from Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente
Residents can use public parks to walk, run, and bike. Picente welcomes trying “to keep people walking and getting some fresh air and exercise,” but it is important not to congregate.
This is why sports are prohibited, as well as the use of playground equipment. The Utica Boilermaker, a summer road race and prominent local tradition, was recently postponed until September.
Economic development projects, like those in Utica, “will go through,” according to Picente. These projects are funded by capital investments, so the county needs to pay debt service on bonds, but does not have to make large, immediate payments.
Picente said the county “wants to keep economic development moving because we’re going to need that jumpstart” when the pandemic ends.
Rendition of Nexus Center currently being built in Utica (Governor Cuomo’s office)
Loss of revenue will be challenging for the county. Sales tax is down. Gaming revenue from the Oneida Indian Nation ceased on March 16. The nation provided a record $18 million to Oneida County in 2019. The new county bed tax on hotel rooms is “there but limited” as people are traveling less.
Picente said the federal stimulus gave some “hope” with county level assistance, such as Federal Medicaid Assistance providing “a boost” in cash flow. Picente anticipates another federal package with additional direct aid to county governments, who are on the front lines of the pandemic and incurring related expenses.
Picente recently visited with President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about needs and challenges facing Oneida County. “We got to attack it on all fronts,” Picente said.
Picente is putting together a budget plan that will be shared in the coming days. The county is considering internally restricting projects, possible furloughs and/or layoffs, and minimum 10 percent cuts for every department.
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Professor of Government at Utica College
