Locally, one of the larger news stories concerning health this summer focused on rabies cases. Not only were wild animals testing positive for the disease, but at least one case of a domestic animal was reported. In response to this increase the county participated in a bait vaccine drop program to reduce incidents of rabies.

I want to thank everyone who shared the information on your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Your assistance in spreading the word about this program was vital in protecting young children who might have stumbled across one of the baits. It is my hope that the Health Department’s goal of decreasing Erie County residents’ risk of coming in contact with a rabid wild animal was accomplished.

To further our effort in protecting residents and pets, the county will hold free rabies clinics this month. The dates are as follows:

• 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Springville Volunteer Fire Department, 405 West Main Street, Springville
• 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at West Seneca Highway Department Garage, 39 South Avenue, West Seneca

The county health commissioner is warning residents that all pets need to be vaccinated to protect them from this fatal disease. New York State law requires rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs and domesticated ferrets no later than four months after their dates of birth. For more information, visit www.erie.gov/health.

I also wanted to provide an update on the Charter Review process. The Legislature supported a revised local law to make changes to the Erie County Charter. I have received a letter that the County Executive planned his public hearing for Sept. 8, which is required in this process. I am hopeful and encouraged that the County Executive will approve the law and do so before the deadline so a referendum can appear on the Nov. 8 ballot where voters have the final say on the proposed revisions.

In some late construction season news, the Legislature has finally seen the plans for the first road project to be paid for (partially) with PAVE NY funds ($2,019,000) that were granted to the county from New York State at the end of June. After two months of ignoring the Legislature’s request for an update, the administration finally informed us of its plans for this funding. Berg Road, which passes through Orchard Park and West Seneca, will be repaved and the bridge repaired beginning this month and ending in November. While I was pleased to support the request and move one project along, I continue to be discouraged by the administration’s overall handling of road work. We must do better for the residents, simple as that. 

As always, is you ever have a question about a county matter, please contact my office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.