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Grand Forks County Commission Approves Updated Employee Corrective Action Policy

Grand Forks County Commission Approves Updated Employee Corrective Action Policy

The Grand Forks County Commission has approved an updated employee corrective action policy. This new policy aims to clarify the county's role in establishing conduct and performance standards for its employees. A significant change introduced is the provision for a disciplinary suspension, which can now extend up to five scheduled shifts or 40 hours. In specific, exceptional circumstances, an additional 24.5 hours of suspension may be imposed. The development and approval of this policy involved consultation with both human resources and State's Attorney Haley Wamstad, ensuring legal and practical considerations were addressed in its formulation. This update reflects an effort to formalize and standardize the disciplinary process within the county government.

Salt Lake County Voters to Consider $128 Million Recreation Bond for Parks and Facilities

Salt Lake County Voters to Consider $128 Million Recreation Bond for Parks and Facilities

Salt Lake County voters will decide on a Recreation General Obligation Bond of up to $128 million on the upcoming November general election ballot. Proposed by the Salt Lake County Council, this measure aims to fund 30 regional park, trail, open space, and recreation facility projects across the county. The proposed projects are categorized into three strategic areas: repairing existing parks and recreation facilities, completing planned phases of regional parks and trails, and constructing new regional recreation amenities to accommodate population growth, including new recreation centers in Midvale and West Jordan. These projects were selected through an open municipal application process, prioritized by an advisory board comprising community members, local mayors, and county leadership, and subsequently approved by the County Council.

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates Absent from Critical Budget Hearing Amidst $27 Million Deficit

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates Absent from Critical Budget Hearing Amidst $27 Million Deficit

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates did not attend a scheduled budget hearing on Tuesday, intended to discuss and dissect the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office 2027 budget. This absence has drawn strong criticism from Lucas County commissioners, who are grappling with a projected $27 million deficit for the upcoming year. The commissioners had requested a 13% budget cut across all county departments as part of their efforts to address the financial shortfall. Prosecutor Bates previously sent a letter to the commissioners, deeming the proposed cuts 'legally impermissible' and questioning which crimes would be deprioritized for prosecution if the cuts were implemented. Commissioners expressed frustration over Bates's absence, stating it prevented a transparent public discussion about taxpayer dollars. They highlighted that they had already cut their own budget by 16% and expected other departments to follow suit. Commissioner Lisa Sobecki called the situation 'despicable,' while Commissioner Pete Gerken criti...

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

3 children hospitalized with measles in Rochester

3 children hospitalized with measles in Rochester

Three children with measles are hospitalized at Golisano Children's Hospital as Rochester health officials urge residents to check vaccinations.

Westchester County Journal News

Why our neighbors are struggling to stay in Westchester | Opinion

Why our neighbors are struggling to stay in Westchester | Opinion

Westchester County's population is growing. But our workforce and school populations are falling. We need better housing options.

Palm Beach Post

I voted to raise my city's millage rate. Here's why. | Opinion

I voted to raise my city's millage rate. Here's why. | Opinion

Leadership is not about always having the answer. It is about being willing to ask questions, follow the facts, and explaining your decision.

Bloomington Mayor and City Council Address Recent Violence, Emphasize Public Safety and Community Unity

Bloomington Mayor and City Council Address Recent Violence, Emphasize Public Safety and Community Unity

Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse and the City Council have issued a statement addressing recent acts of violence and criminal activity in Bloomington and neighboring communities. The statement acknowledges residents' concerns about safety while cautioning against blaming an entire community for the actions of individuals. City leaders described the incidents as unacceptable and reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive, healthy, and connected community. They also expressed support for the Bloomington Police Department's efforts to protect residents, assist local businesses, and strengthen community relationships. The mayor and council noted that crime in Bloomington is currently at its lowest level since the 1970s, though specific statistics were not provided. They emphasized that individuals responsible for violent crimes will be held accountable and that violence has no place in Bloomington.

Orleans Select Board Votes Against Recommending $450,000 for Community Center, Places Article on November Warrant

Orleans Select Board Votes Against Recommending $450,000 for Community Center, Places Article on November Warrant

The Orleans Select Board has voted 3-2 against recommending $450,000 in additional capital funding for the community center at 44 Main St., despite agreeing to place the article on the November special town meeting warrant. The request aims to reinvigorate stalled discussions about the future of the community center building. Board member Mark Mathison expressed reservations about the spending, citing anticipated millions of dollars needed for maintaining existing town buildings and facilities in the coming years. Another board member, Galligan, stated unease with the proposal moving forward with any hopes or intentions attached, specifically regarding housing, as he is no longer certain that is how the building should be developed. The decision to put the article on the warrant will allow voters to prioritize the community center project among other town capital needs, which Galligan believes will inform future conversations.

Detroit Free Press

Police, fire millages back on Oakland ballot with cuts after tax revolt

Police, fire millages back on Oakland ballot with cuts after tax revolt

Voters in August shot down multiple public safety millages, leaving police and fire funding at risk. The proposals are back, some with cuts.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Two newcomers highlight strong week for Section V soccer in NYS rankings

Two newcomers highlight strong week for Section V soccer in NYS rankings

Pittsford Sutherland, Greece Arcadia, Byron-Bergen/Elba among the biggest risers.

New York State Minimum Wage to Remain Stagnant in 2027, Governor Hochul Proposes March Increase

New York State Minimum Wage to Remain Stagnant in 2027, Governor Hochul Proposes March Increase

New York State's minimum wage will not increase on January 1, 2027, marking a halt in the state's decade-long practice of annual raises tied to inflation. The current rates of $17 per hour for New York City residents and $16 per hour for Upstate New York residents will remain in effect. This decision is due to the state meeting its 'off-ramp' provision, which is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) Northeast Region's three-year moving average. However, the minimum wage for home care aides will see an increase on January 1, 2027, rising to $20 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and $19 in Upstate New York. Despite the January stagnation, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a change to the off-ramp provisions that could lead to a new increase on March 1, 2027. If approved, the minimum wage would rise to $17.60 for New York City and $16.55 for Upstate New York, with corresponding increases for home care aides to $20.30 in New York City and $1...

Clarksville City Council Member Proposes Sales Tax Split Revision Amid Fiscal Concerns

Clarksville City Council Member Proposes Sales Tax Split Revision Amid Fiscal Concerns

A Clarksville City Council member, Brian Zacharias, has proposed revising the local option sales tax split with Montgomery County, citing that the city is facing a 'fiscal cliff.' Zacharias presented findings to the council indicating that the city's current budget spends $6.9 million more than it generates, even after a 9-cent property tax rate increase and $9.2 million in budget cuts. The city is currently using reserves to cover this deficit, but projections suggest the gap could widen by $25 million annually by fiscal year 2031 if no changes are made. Zacharias argues that Clarksville serves as the economic engine for Montgomery County, justifying a reevaluation of the sales tax distribution. He plans to introduce a proposal next month for the City Council to enter negotiations with Montgomery County on this matter, which would also require approval from the County Commission.