Erie County, NY - Erie County Republican Legislators introduced amendments to the 2026 Erie County budget as proposed by Mark Poloncarz, that include $12 million in responsible cuts that will lower property taxes. The amendments cut spending, shift priorities and put in place several policies aimed at reining in costs, increasing revenue and putting guardrails on government operations, like a hiring freeze and restrictions on overtime and out-of-area travel. These budget amendments come in response to both the County Executive and Comptroller warning of fiscal storm clouds on the horizon for Erie County.
“It’s important to rein in the spending. If the County Executive won’t, then we will,” said Legislator John Mills. “The amendments we offered were reasonable and are necessary given where Erie County is financially. Our amendments give taxpayers some relief.”
One year ago, the Comptroller’s office projected budget gaps of $9 to $20 million. That budget gap is now anticipated to be between $83 and $95 million, and in two of the last three years, the Poloncarz Administration has spent more on recurring costs that weren’t supported by reoccurring revenue. According to the Comptroller’s 2026 budget analysis, County spending has increased by $704 million since 2021. That is simply not sustainable and is eerily similar to the path the county traveled that led to the last fiscal meltdown in 2004. The County Executive’s proposed budget ignores reality and continues to spend.
The Republican lawmakers are calling for a freeze on hiring, overtime, and out of area employee travel and lowering the cap on non-union employee overtime costs. The legislators are also re-introducing the gas tax cap to provide residents with additional tax relief. There are also several proposals regarding county owned real estate, including proposing the sale of the former ECC South Campus and the County’s Lincoln Building, which was renovated for the Covid19 response but now remains very underutilized. The amendment package will also seek to establish a monthly public meeting for both the Comptroller and Budget Director to report on the financial status of the county.
“Our amendments respect the taxpayers. They would lower property taxes, create millions in revenue to grow our fund balance and responsibly reduce expenditures in a meaningful way that doesn’t sacrifice services or public safety,” said Legislator Frank Todaro.
“This Administration continues with its unnecessary spending at a time Erie County cannot afford it. This budget also hands over more autonomy to the County Executive, eliminating the checks and balances that the Legislature provides. I strongly oppose relinquishing financial oversight. It sets a dangerous precedent. We need fiscal guardrails, and we need to cut spending. Our amendments do that,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“The County Executive and Budget Director keep warning of a fiscal crisis in 2027, yet the Administration continues to spend without restraint. Our amendments do what they won’t; cut the tax levy, reduce spending, protect services, and put taxpayers back in the driver’s seat,” said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
The legislators’ package would lower property taxes, lower the tax on gas, create millions in revenue to grow Erie County’s fund balance, and responsibly reduce expenditures without sacrificing services or public safety.
