Press release/September 17th, 2026
City Manager Update
The City has welcomed new leadership in the Department of Public Works and the Assistant City Manager’s office. The transition is underway, with a focus on departmental operations, capital projects, performance reviews, budget preparation, and collective bargaining. The City continues to advance projects and services across all departments.
Downtown Revitalization Initiative 2.0
The City received almost 20 project applications for DRI 2.0, representing a mix of public and private projects. The DRI committee will continue meetings in public to review and discuss the proposals. The City’s goal is to advance approximately $12–$15 million in projects for final State selection.
Hotel and Motel Occupancy Tax
The legislation authorizing the City of Batavia to implement a 3% hotel and motel occupancy tax was signed into law last month. The revenue will support community and economic development and planning while allowing the City to retain the limited administrative reimbursement authorized under State law.
Audit Committee and Budget
The Audit Committee discussed increasing financial pressures facing municipalities, including inflation exceeding the State’s 2% property tax cap limitation in recent years. A full audit presentation, recommendation letter, and recommendation regarding reserves will be presented to City Council on September 28.
Wastewater Capacity and Regional Growth
The City continues discussions with major sewer customers and regional partners regarding future capacity needs and growth in the food-processing industry. City staff and engineers are evaluating current wastewater capacity, potential future plant expansion, and opportunities to reduce inflow and infiltration to increase available capacity.
Community Heart & Soul
The Community Heart & Soul initiative is moving into Phase I, with a local committee established and trained. The initiative will build a community network, establish local coordination, develop branding and outreach, and launch a website and social media presence. Phase II will focus on gathering stories from throughout Batavia about what residents value about the community.
Capital Projects
The following funded projects are currently in planning, design, or engineering:
· Swan Street Sidewalk Improvements
· Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
· Naramore Pump Station Improvements
· Joint Water Tank Project with Genesee County at the VA Campus
· Richmond Avenue Transportation Improvements from Oak Street to Park Road
· Fire Department Ladder Truck Replacement
Fire Department Roof Replacement
Staff are also evaluating funding opportunities and financing strategies for priority infrastructure projects, including Pearl Street Water Main Replacement and Richmond Avenue Water Main Improvements. These projects remain priorities within the City’s long-term Capital Improvement Program.
City Centre Improvements
The City Centre project continues to move forward. Under the current construction schedule, the ceiling and lighting portion of the project is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Bids for the public restroom renovations exceeded the available project budget, so staff and the architect are revising the design to keep the work within the approved budget.
Personnel Policy Modernization
The City is using Lexipol, a leading municipal policy and risk management platform, to comprehensively modernize its Personnel Manual, which was last comprehensively updated in 2011. Policies are being reviewed individually against current City practices, operational needs, New York State law, Civil Service requirements, and collective bargaining agreements. The final manual will be presented to City Council for approval before citywide implementation. The Lexipol platform will also allow the City to distribute policy
updates electronically as laws and requirements change and document employee review and acknowledgment.
Technology and Building Security
Following critical server failures earlier this month, the City’s technology upgrade program allowed equipment to be obtained quickly and City systems to be restored within two days. Building security upgrades are also planned, including key-fob access and replacement of the existing camera platform, which is no longer supported.
Ice Rink Grant Closeout
The City continues to complete the financing phase of the Ice Rink project. Once completed, the City will be positioned to receive reimbursement from the grant portion of the project.
Urban Forestry
The DEC Urban and Community Forestry Grant project will begin this fall. Approximately 850 trees are planned for planting during the fall 2026 and spring 2027 seasons, along with a significant pruning project and removal of 72 trees and stumps. A City press release has provided residents with information about the designated project area.
Austin Park Playground
Work at Austin Park is expected to begin near the end of September. The existing playground equipment will be removed, and the site prepared for installation of a new inclusive playground, with completion expected by the end of October.
City Website and Notify Me
The City website continues to provide current information, project notices, and press releases. The City is also rolling out the Notify Me feature, allowing residents to subscribe to selected notifications and receive updates directly by email.
Water and Wastewater
Water Department priorities include planning for upcoming water treatment plant upgrades, the Garage Roof Replacement project, regional water-project coordination, cybersecurity initiatives, and preparation of the upcoming department budget.
Wastewater priorities include the SPDES permit renewal process, implementation and oversight of the Industrial Pretreatment Program, CROMERR compliance, capacity planning, and preparation of the upcoming department budget.
Police Department
The Police Department continues its public-safety, community-policing, training, records, and enforcement responsibilities. August activities included community events, specialized traffic enforcement, court-related duties, emergency response activities, records processing, and continued professional training.
The Department also continues to support community events and public outreach, including overdose-awareness programming and security or traffic-control support for local events.
Fire Department
The Fire Department continues to respond to EMS, motor vehicles, fire, alarms, hazardous-condition, weather, and public-service calls. As of September 10, 2026, the Department had responded to 2,409 calls for service, including 1,723 EMS calls and 60 fire calls.
The Department continues to require annual training and specialized operational training, including emergency vehicle operations, live-fire training, rope rescue, boat operations, and water-rescue skills. Progress also continues at the new training grounds on Law Street, including coordination with the Department of Public Works on electrical service.
Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction
The Department is completing its annual commercial and multifamily dwelling inspection program and preparing Fire Prevention Week activities and public education programs. Planning is also underway for fire-extinguisher training for City employees.
Fire Apparatus and Readiness
The City continues proactive maintenance of its fire apparatus to maintain emergency-response capabilities. Ladder 15 remains in service while additional suspension repairs are completed.
Engine 11 is scheduled for repair and a planned refurbishment later this year. The Fire Department is coordinating with neighboring departments regarding a loaner engine during the refurbishment period.
Good for the Community
The City Fire Department and the City Firemen’s Benevolent Association are supporting cancer-related community efforts during October through a breast-cancer awareness initiative. The Association will also make a charitable contribution supporting individuals and families dealing with cancer in Genesee County.