Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation approves 3% raise for its hard-working employees as part of Tax Rate Reduction.Board also approves two new reforms as they continue to provide greater accountability, transparency and efficiency in their operations.

Batavia, New York – Today the WROTBC Board of Directors approved a 3% pay increase from the Tax Rate funds that the new management team secured in their successful lobbying efforts this year in Albany. The final legislation approved the 5% tax rate reduction from 49% to 44% was passed by both houses of the state legislature on May 9. 2025. As of June 26^th, the 5% tax rate reduction has already produced $309,944.14 in additional reserve for the Corporation. “This is great news for our hard-working employees who have earned this pay increase.  Thanks to the Governor and NYS Legislature for approving the tax rate reduction which is going directly to our employees,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of WROTBC. The Board also approved changing the employee health care contributions for employee/spouse, employee/child or family coverage from 72% to 20%. In February of this year, the Board of Directors of WROTBC approved a historic and comprehensive reform agenda focused on enhancing accountability, transparency and operational efficiency. Today the Board approved two more major reforms as the new management team continues to evaluate internal operations to further advance the Corporation’s mission and better serve their member municipalities. The two new reforms are:

1. Updated House Account Policy

A comprehensive revision to the current House Account framework, addressing inconsistencies in usage, enhancing managerial oversight, and instituting clearer guidelines for the issuance of complimentary services and internal credits.

• Standard Operating Procedures for Cash Payments

The establishment of new protocols for governing all cash payments to ensure proper authorization, secure handling, accurate documentation, and strict compliance with financial best practices. “I thank the Board of Directors for approving these two new reform measures that are desperately needed.  As we continue to evaluate and strengthen our operations, it is imperative that we take corrective action whenever deficiencies or opportunities for improvement are identified.”