Legislator Greene
We will soon be getting our first look at the Erie County Executive’s proposed spending plan for 2027. Mark Poloncarz has increased spending exponentially over the years. I hope he presents us with a budget this year that is respectful to the taxpayers; one we can work with that addresses the many needs in Erie County without adding jobs and spending that makes it difficult for so many to stay here. The County Executive continues to tout the fact that the tax rate will be lowered. But it is the tax levy that we should be concerned with. That has risen over the years and has made living here less affordable. He cannot continue to expand the size and cost of county government and then claims he is doing a good job managing county finances.
I am pleased that last week we passed the Veteran’s Tax Exemption for one-hundred percent disabled veterans. The local law authorizes the exemption on the primary residence of the seriously disabled veteran. To qualify a veteran must have suffered a debilitating injury in performance of their service to our nation, were discharged or released from active military under honorable conditions and are considered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled because of their military service. You must verify your eligibility through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This exemption will take effect on future tax bills.
The Legislature also passed a resolution calling on New York State to fully reimburse Erie County for added costs incurred during the Correction’s Officer’s strike. While New York State did reimburse the Erie County Sheriff’s Office $2.2 million, that is still $617,700 less than what is owed. It is not fair for New York to shift this cost burden to local counties, when the crisis that came from that strike was not of our doing. The state must make Erie County whole.
It is costing more to fill up our tanks. Some of us in the Erie County Legislature wanted to cap the gas tax to give folks a bit of a break. Unfortunately that effort was rejected by some of our colleagues when we tried passing it previously.
The Fall season is upon us, and with that comes the extraordinary beauty associated with the changing leaves. The vibrant colors make Autumn a visually beautiful time of year here in Western New York. Enjoy the season.
Remember that October is also breast cancer awareness month. It’s important to get an annual mammogram. Early detection saves lives.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. If you have a county related issue, contact my office at (716) 858-8676 or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
