Local News: April 8, 2024

- Horsehead’s considers property tax increase in proposed budget -

The Village of Horseheads in Chemung County is considering a 7.5% property tax increase. Village trustees accepted the proposal in last week’s meeting. WENY-TV reports a public hearing about the budget will be held April 18 at 6 PM. You can find more information about the budget and the public hearing on the Village website.

- Horseheads School District may cut 49 jobs due to rising healthcare costs and deficit -

Separately, the Horseheads School District has started notifying some staff members they may lose their jobs. WETM-TV reports that 49 jobs may be eliminated in the proposed 2024-25 budget. Some extracurricular activities may also get cut. The superintendent said the reductions are necessary because of rising healthcare costs and the district’s $4 million deficit. It’s not clear how a proposed village property tax increase might impact the school district budget. A decision about the school budget may be made on April 18. 

- There’s another legal decision about New York’s marijuana industry -

A ruling issued by a state Supreme Court judge last Wednesday was quickly amended the next day. The decision seemed to void all of New York’s marijuana laws. The Associated Press reports that it was corrected to clarify that it was only striking down state rules barring marijuana dispensaries from advertising on third-party platforms” that help companies promote their products.