UTICA — The Oneida County Board of Legislators authorized bond resolutions totaling over $17 million for projects and improvements to county facilities. 

At its Wednesday, March 8, meeting, the board voted to approve bond resolutions for 12 projects, for a total cost of $17,110,000. These resolutions correspond to the projects included in the county’s 2023 adopted capital budget, which totaled $17 million.  

The 12 projects are: 

• Asbestos removal at the Oneida County Office Building at the maximum estimated cost of $3.5 million. The board authorized the issuance of $3.5 million in bonds to pay the costs;   
• County-wide computerization at a maximum estimated cost of $1 million. The board authorized the issuance of $1 million bonds to pay the costs;   
• Enterprise content management system for the county at a maximum estimated cost of $150,000. The board authorized the issuance of $150,000 in bonds to pay the cost; 
• Upgrades to the county’s emergency services technology at a maximum estimated cost of $1,946,000. The board authorized the issuance of $1,946,000 to pay for the costs; 
• Reconstruction of Mohawk Valley Community College’s Science and Technology building at a maximum estimated cost of $8 million. The board also authorized the issuance of $2 million in bonds for the county to pay part of the costs of the reconstruction. The other $6 million will be funded by state and federal grants;   
• Improvements to the parking lot of 302 N. James St. in Rome at a maximum estimated cost of $61,000. The board authorized the issuance of $61,000 bonds for the county to pay the cost; 
• A comprehensive building improvement program (phase five) for the county, at a maximum estimated cost of $660,000. The board authorized the issuance of $660,000 in bonds to pay for the costs;  
• Replacement of the concession stand roof at Murnane Field at the maximum estimated cost of $56,000. The board authorized the issuance of $56,000 bonds to pay for the costs;  
• County bridge improvements at a maximum estimated cost of $2,249,000. The board authorized the issuance of $2,249,000 in bonds to pay the costs; 
• Acquisition of heavy equipment at a maximum estimated cost of $2,488,000. The board authorized the issuance of $2,488,000 bonds to pay the cost; 
• The construction of an addition to 121 2nd St. for Cornell Cooperative Extension at a maximum estimated cost of $1 million. The board authorized the issuance of $1 million in bonds to pay for the cost; and 
• Renovations to the first floor of the Oneida County building for the Department of Social Services at the maximum estimated cost of $2 million. The board authorized the issuance of $2 million in bonds to pay for the cost.  

A memo from Oneida County Comptroller Joseph J. Timpano that was sent to County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. states, “At December 31, 2022, the balance of our General Fund bonded debt stood at $150,609,661. The new authorizations above along with the 2023 principal reduction payments of $19,335,961, would reduce the 2023 year end balance to $148,383,700.” 

Timpano added that these numbers do not include $30,900,000 that were authorized for the Wynn Hospital parking garage, which will be issued later in 2023.