(WNY News Now) – Allegany County Legislative Chairman W. Brooke Harris delivers an optimistic yet cautious “State of the County” address, highlighting economic development, public safety, and financial hurdles for 2024.
On January 2, 2024, newly reappointed Allegany County Legislative Chairman W. Brooke Harris provided the Chairman’s annual “State of the County” address:
“Good Morning. I’d like to thank my fellow Board members for their support today. The work of the Chair is collaborative, and I appreciate everyone’s guidance and encouragement as I continue to grow into the role.
It’s my privilege to speak briefly with you today about the state of Allegany County. As I’m sure those in attendance would agree, 2024 was one of the busiest years we’ve had in recent memory.
In development, the County has vigorously supported our new Office of Economic Development and the establishment of an independent Economic Development Corporation. Through those efforts, we’re already reaping benefits in the attraction of new business opportunities both small and large, and improved support of our existing small businesses, educational institutions, and large commercial and industrial partners. Lots of work to be done, but I know that this Board is taking the right steps to create a sustainable, vibrant, pro-business climate in Allegany County.
In Emergency Services, the Board has successfully restructured the Office of Emergency Management through strategic hires and the adoption of the local law creating a Director of Emergency Management. Further, the 2025 County budget reflects the largest-ever financial commitment to our County’s irreplaceable volunteer agencies. It’s the Board’s hope that these investments, including expanded training opportunities and reimbursements, equipment purchases, and technical support will continue to encourage recruitment and retention in the volunteer ranks.
I also want to thank the Board for having the political courage to act in the best interests of public safety through our contractual relationship with Medical Transport Services. Not only is a robust EMS system critical to ensuring the safety of County residents, but it is also a prerequisite to maintaining our quality of life and attracting new residents and businesses to Allegany County.
I want to thank our administration for their leadership and commitment to securing outside funding this year. The amount of work and time committed to this effort has been far greater than in years past. Because of this, Allegany County was recently awarded millions of dollars in competitive state and federal grants across multiple project areas including infrastructure expansion and improvement, economic development, housing, and outdoor recreation.
There are challenges ahead. With big ideas and big changes come big expenses. It will be the job of this Board in the coming year to do the difficult work of prioritizing these projects and existing services, to judiciously strategize their funding, and ensure that we continue to operate efficiently and with as little burden to taxpayers as possible. I’m confident in the ability of this Board to accomplish that goal, and I look forward to sharing the work with you all.
Finally, I’d like to recognize the dedicated employees of Allegany County, who work day in and day-out to provide vital services and support to County residents. The Board wants to thank you for your professionalism and commitment and wishes you a heathy and happy 2025. With that, I humbly yield and thank you all, once again, for your support.”
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