My colleagues and I have adopted a 2025 spending plan that better serves Erie County taxpayers. Our amendments included measures that cut increases in parks fees and cut new jobs. While I would have liked to have made further cuts to better reflect Erie County’s finances, I recognize that we needed to find a compromise that enough legislators would agree to in order to pass the budget. I would note we are anticipating a possible $20 million sales tax shortfall, and as such, cannot continue to increase spending.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz has increased the budget exponentially since taking office. It has ballooned to 43% more than it was when he became County Executive. In addition, the property tax levy continues to rise. We are not a community that is growing. Therefore, there is no reason to increase the size and cost of government. In addition, I recognize that there are some challenging fiscal times ahead, and payments Erie County needs to make that are being pushed down the road. That is not responsible budgeting. Those are payments we will need to address in the coming years. The federal dollars that this Administration relied on for the past few years is no longer there. It is time to tighten our belts.
I was pleased that we were able to secure a reliable revenue stream for our local cities, towns and villages by protecting their share of mortgage recording tax revenue. I was also glad to ensure some important organizations in our community received county funding to assist in their operations going forward. Some of those organizations include food pantries, fire companies, the Southtowns Scenic Byway, the Southtowns Walleye Association, the Hamburg Public Library, the Citizens Against Wind Turbines (CAWTILE), sidewalks and crosswalks for the Village of Orchard Park, and AEDs for the Town of Boston and community gathering places.
I want to remind everyone that our Erie County parks are open all year round. There are many events scheduled, including guided winter hikes. If interested, it’s a great way to start the new year. Chestnut Ridge Park is hosting a hike at 10am on January 1. For more information, go to www.erie.gov and click on “Visit Our Parks.”
My office has received a number of calls from residents who paid for plow service, but where the plow driver never showed. Please be careful when hiring. There are many responsible, reliable plow drivers. Unfortunately, there will always be those looking to take advantage of trusting individuals.
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah. I hope you are able to enjoy this holiday season with loved ones. As always, if you have a county related issue, please contact my office at John.Mills@erie.gov or by phone at 716-858-8850.
