This week we began budget hearings as we review the Administration’s proposed 2024 spending plan. Commissioners and department heads are weighing in on funding levels for 2024. At $1.9 billion, it’s the largest proposed budget ever for Erie County, more than $162 million more than last year’s adopted budget. While many of those costs are out of our control due to unfunded mandates from the state and federal government, we do need to be respectful of taxpayers who bear an enormous burden already.
The public also has an opportunity to voice their opinion on the spending plan when the Erie County Legislature holds a public hearing on the budget proposal. In addition to funding the social service agencies, and allocating funds for road and bridge improvements, the budget also provides funding for many of our community’s most treasured assets. Erie County parks and playgrounds are managed and maintained through county dollars, and libraries rely on county funds for their buildings and programming. There are so many other organizations that also receive county dollars. They operate outside of Erie County government but provide a specific need. We also have treasured landmarks and historical sites that receive county funding.
One highlight in this year’s proposed budget is the cut to the property tax levy, something that has not been accomplished in years. I was happy to work with my colleagues in the Republican Caucus to ensure we not only provided for a property tax cut but also are giving some relief in the cost to heat your home. We’ve eliminated the residential energy sales tax from December 1 of this year to March 1, 2024. In those cold winter months, you deserve a break from your high heating bills.
It was one year ago this month where much of Erie County was slammed with seven feet of snow. Weeks later a deadly blizzard would throw another punch to an already weary community. The Administration’s response to this storm was troubling. Immediately after, myself and the rest of the Minority Caucus called for discussions with stakeholders on where we can make improvements. Although the Administration has included funding for heavy equipment in the 2024 proposed budget, the transparent discussion with relevant parties didn’t occur in a timely fashion. In fact, it took until almost one year later for the Poloncarz Administration to present a storm response improvement plan. That was unfortunate as I know many snowmobile clubs and others who stepped up would have provided valuable input as to best practices moving forward. In any case, I’m glad the snowmobile clubs are part of the solution, just as they were ever so important to saving lives last December.
I hope that you are able to enjoy this Thanksgiving season with the people you love. I know I am thankful for my wife and children, for my family, friends, and the community. Thanksgiving really is about coming together, and for the sake of our county, nation, and world, I hope that is a reachable goal.
Happy Thanksgiving. If you have a county-related issue you can reach my office by email Frank.Todaro@erie.gov or by phone (716) 681-2071.
