The Erie County Executive has released his proposed 2026 budget. My colleagues and I will review the spending plan and make amendments as necessary. There will be a public hearing on this budget, which will allow people to share their opinions. The Poloncarz Administration recently submitted the 2026 Budget Revenues and Expenses Report, as mandated by charter, that provides some information as to what we can expect. The proposed 2026 General Fund totals $2.081 billion, with projected sales tax growth of 1.5%. As I’ve said many times, this County Executive has increased spending significantly since taking office. With little to no population growth in this region, Mr. Poloncarz continues to create jobs and departments, sticking taxpayers with the bill. This is unfair to Erie County residents. While I need to review the spending plan in more detail, I am hopeful we can make amendments that will be amenable to our colleagues, respecting taxpayers in the process.
I was happy to co-sponsor a resolution favoring federal legislation to keep AM radio in vehicles.
Western New Yorkers know how valuable the AM signal is in times of trouble. Often, other forms of communication may go down, but AM radio continues to broadcast, providing listeners with important information during storms. The resolution passed unanimously in the Erie County Legislature. The legislation in Congress has bi-partisan support. AM Radio’s emergency alert system is vital to keeping people informed, and I am hopeful this bill is passed.
I recently had the pleasure of touring the construction of the new Greycliff Visitor’s Center. Executive Director Anna Kaplan, along with the board, and the many volunteers have done an outstanding job restoring the Frank Lloyd Wright Greycliff estate to its original glory. I was happy to allocate $250,000 in taxpayer funds toward the construction of this new facility. Greycliff draws visitors from all over the world, and we are fortunate to have this true gem right here in our own backyard. Plans are for the Visitors Center to open in 2026.
I also had the honor recently of presenting a proclamation to the Collins Volunteer Fire Department recognizing the organization’s 100th anniversary. The Fire Company was formally established in April 1925 using a horse-drawn vehicle outfitted with two 80-gallon tanks of water. As they formally recognized this significant anniversary, they also dedicated their new Truck 7.
It is an honor to serve you. If you have any county related issues, please contact my office at 716-858-8850 or by email at John.Mills@erie.gov You can also follow what’s happening on my Facebook page, Legislator John Mills.
