Legislature delivers address; notes decreased unemployment and new jobs

On Tuesday, March 15, Martha Sauerbrey, chair of the Tioga County legislature, delivered the “State of the County” address. The 10-minute address covered topics ranging from decreased unemployment in the county, to new businesses that have moved in.

In her address, Sauerbrey noted that the unemployment rate went down from last year by 1.1 percent, and that new businesses have started to invest in Tioga County, leading to the creation and retention of 813 new jobs and 1,300 direct construction jobs.

At a recent job fair, Sauerbrey noted, over 900 job seekers had an opportunity to speak directly with 82 employers who had open jobs to fill.

Sauerbrey also talked about the heroin epidemic, and the county’s “rallying” around efforts to help combat this growing problem.

But one thing Sauerbrey emphasized, is her appreciation of the county’s employees, and the good work that they have done over the past year.

Sauerbrey also talked about the county’s biggest challenge moving forward as being the tax cap – and efforts to stay below it. Sauerbrey blames State mandates for the difficulties faced when trying to stay under the tax cap.

You can read the “State of the County” address by clicking here.

Also at the meeting, Tioga County Dispatcher Liz Struble was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2016.

A humble Struble briefly commented, “I’m honored to accept this.” Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard spoke briefly, noting that Struble is deserving of the recognition.

Resolutions were also read and approved at Tuesday’s legislative meeting to recognize Public Health Week and Poison Prevention Week as being March 20 through March 26, 2016.