SYRACUSE -- Hundreds showed up to the Oncenter Thursday night, with concerns about the proposed Onondaga County budget. Deep cuts threaten jobs and services throughout the county. Those against slashing from the Sheriff's Department and area art groups were front and center at the public hearing.
Legislators certainly got an earful. About 70 people signed up to discuss their concerns. Many feel lawmakers are taking a bite out of the quality of life in the community. Arts organizations made their pitch to restore funding, saying it's an economic engine for the entire county. Some groups were taken out of the spending plan all together.
"The dollar amount is significant for Syracuse Opera. We may have to look to see if we can afford to hire the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and that's not good for anyone," said Cathy Wolff with the Syracuse Opera.
Another contentious item on the chopping block is public safety jobs. The budget being considered cuts more than $4-million from the Sheriff's Department, including selling off the Air One helicopter, a move that was repeatedly brought up and criticized at the public hearing. It would also lay off 12 deputies that patrol the county. Sheriff Kevin Walsh says 4 of those officers were providing security at Thursday night's event.
"It doesn't make sense wanting to cut sheriffs deputies positions, at the same time you're talking about maybe expanding the sheriff's out into Cicero," said Dave Osborn.
"I'm interested in what they are doing with the budget, and if they are going to have any more layoffs. We are down to the bone as it is right now," said Brenda Allen.
County Executive Mahoney calls some of the changes made by the Ways and Means Committee irresponsible.
Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the budget on Tuesday.
