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The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has updated a proposal to the United Public Service Employees Union designed to provide affected employees with additional time, greater economic support and meaningful transition options as the corporation consolidates six branch offices.
Responding directly to state lawmakers' urging, WROTBC has agreed to the union's request to continue operating the Auburn, Clinton, Empire, Jamestown, Lyell and River branches through the close of business on Dec. 31, two months beyond the originally planned Oct. 31 closure date. Employees will remain actively employed through December 31 and will continue receiving their regular wages and contractual benefits.
"We heard the concerns of our state lawmakers, the Union and our employees, and we responded with a meaningful commitment," said Byron W. Brown, WROTBC president and CEO: "Keeping these six branches open through December 31 gives employees and their families additional time to plan while the parties continue impact bargaining. Our updated proposal also offers significant financial support and practical options far beyond WROTBC's existing contractual obligations."
The counterproposal was presented as part of continued good-faith impact bargaining under Article 14 of the New York Civil Service Law and was approved by WROTBC's Board of Directors, chaired by Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney.
The decision follows a multi-year review of branch operations. The six branches identified for consolidation have generated approximately $660,000 in losses through August 2026, approximately 30% more than the losses incurred during the same period in 2025. The Marway branch in Gates and the Wehrle branch in Williamsville will remain open, preserving WROTBC's branch presence in the Rochester and Buffalo markets.
The corporation’s ongoing review of branch operations also aligns with findings and recommendations outlined in the state Comptroller’s April 2026 audit report, which emphasized the need to address declining wagering handle, monitor, and control operating expenses, strengthen financial oversight, and protect distributions to participating municipalities. WROTBC remains committed to responsible financial management and the long-term sustainability of its operations.
Extending operations through Dec. 31 is expected to result in additional operating losses during historically slower wagering months. Nevertheless, WROTBC made the extension a central component of its proposal in recognition of the concerns raised by state lawmakers and the Union's stated priority of keeping affected employees working through the end of the year.
WROTBC believes the comprehensive proposal appropriately balances employee transition support with its responsibility to protect public resources and maintain the long-term financial stability of the Corporation.
WROTBC's updated proposal includes:
-- Two-month extension of branch operations: Delaying the closure of the six branches from October 31, 2026, to December 31, 2026, providing affected employees with two additional months of employment, wages and contractual benefits.
-- Voluntary severance option: Providing eligible affected employees who are retirement-eligible with voluntary severance equal to three months of annualized base wages.
-- Relocation assistance: Providing employees at the Auburn and Jamestown branches with an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in documented moving and temporary-housing expenses if they accept employment with WROTBC in Batavia.
"Closing branches and recognizing the impact that decision would have on our employees was not a decision made quickly or easily by the Board of Directors," said Board Chair Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney. "We greatly appreciate the years of service and dedication these employees have provided to Western and our customers. Our goal has been to handle this transition with respect and provide as many reasonable options as possible for the employees."
It is important to note that at one time WROTBC had over 70 OTB Branches. In the past when branches were closed unfortunately there was no notice, severance package or other non-contracted benefits provided to the laid off employees.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation operates Batavia Downs Gaming, Hotel and Racetrack and serves 17 member municipalities throughout Western New York. Since 1975, WROTBC has returned $289 million to its member municipalities while in addition contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to New York State.