Too often, gridlock and political squabbles dominate headlines when it comes to your government, particularly regarding how your tax dollars are utilized. However, sometimes those differences are put aside, and the government does the job that it is tasked to do in the manner in which the people expect. When this occurs, it tends to make a bland story for members of the media and there are no exciting or salacious headlines. That was the case this year with the 2025 budget process for Erie County.
As pointed out by several of the fiscal specialists within Erie County government, spending needs to be better controlled, as much of the federal COVID funds that left Erie County flush with cash in the last few years, have dried up. Couple that with the projection that sales tax revenues will likely fall short of expectations by approximately $20 million for 2024 and it is abundantly clear that we need to tighten our belts to avoid future financial problems in Erie County.
The Poloncarz administration spent months putting together a budget that was fiscally sound, but when presented to the Legislature, it clearly needed some tweaking. Behind the scenes, leaders from both legislative caucuses exchanged proposals to help chisel down some of the non-essential spending while making sure that services were maintained. When we were at a minor impasse related to specific job cuts, the administration offered their assistance to help identify eight jobs that could be eliminated. In addition, we agreed to eliminate a proposed fee increases for using a variety of Erie County parks services, including golf courses and shelter rentals. Lastly, we were able to come to an agreement regarding the amount of mortgage tax dollars that Erie County shares with each local municipality. Had this measure been implemented, towns such as Amherst and Clarence, who had already passed their 2025 budget more than a month ago, would have started 2025 with a hole in their budget valued at tens of thousands of dollars.
In my four years as an Erie County Legislator, this is the most textbook example of our checks-and-balances working properly for the benefit of the taxpayers and I was happy to vote for its approval.
I want to remind everyone that our Erie County Parks continue to operate during the winter, and many activities are held for all to enjoy. For a list of events, go to www.Erie.gov and click on “Visit Our Parks.” Akron Falls has a sledding hill typically open from 10am until dusk, conditions permitting. There is also an ice rink opened daily 10a-8p. I want to remind you that those skating ponds are outdoor and natural, and as such conditions can be rough or uneven, and hours may change due to those conditions.
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you in the Erie County Legislature. Should you ever have a county related issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov or by phone at 716-858-8676.
