Outgoing Mayor Gerry Messmer wrapped up his seven-year tenure with a final message to residents that highlighted sweeping changes and thanked the team that helped him lead Odessa through a period of major transformation.
In his farewell column, Messmer congratulated newly elected officials Dustin Carnes, Cindy Emerson, William Horner, and Ron Goossen, while offering thanks to other candidates and longtime colleagues. He reserved special praise for Deputy Mayor Tom Letteer, who stepped in during Messmer’s extended absence and was described as an “Odessa gem.”
Messmer pointed to over $21 million in infrastructure improvements as a hallmark of his administration. That includes the long-anticipated $5 million sewer project, which saved Odessa-Montour Central School an estimated $2 million in repair costs. He also cited progress on a $13 million water quality overhaul, now entering its second phase with a new treatment plant and 3.5 miles of water lines underway.
“We will be putting over $8 million in grant funds against the total cost of construction,” Messmer wrote, noting the balance is financed at zero percent interest.
In another major move, the village replaced its aging and structurally flawed offices and fire department building with a new $990,000 facility that includes a community center and land for future events. The new fire department addition is partially complete, pending additional financing.
Messmer also pointed to environmental and recreational initiatives, including the Odessa-Hector Rail Trail. The trail was developed without taxpayer money and has since become a popular local destination, with future upgrades and a proposed volunteer “Friends of” group on the horizon.
Among the unfinished but active efforts, Messmer mentioned a pending $2 million Bridge NY grant application to replace the deteriorating Cotton Hanlon Bridge, as well as a joint project with the Seneca Watershed Intermunicipal Organization to repair culverts and catch basins through in-kind village contributions.
The mayor closed his message by crediting the village board for maintaining a unified, service-first approach. “It is amazing what a team can do when they put their all into it,” he wrote.
“It has been a privilege to serve as your mayor,” Messmer concluded. “Thank you.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].