County Legislature Withdraws Measure on Using Fund Balance to Fill Safety Net Gap

Chautauqua County lawmakers last week formally withdrew a resolution to use over $2.8 million of the county's fund balance to fill a gap in the county's Safety Net program. Ellicott Republican Lisa Vanstrom made the motion during the County Legislature's monthly meeting in Jamestown. County Executive P.J. Wendel, who was a guest on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Monday, explains why the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services decided to back off on that request...

P.J. Wendel: trends not as grim as previously projected

The unfunded state mandate requires the county to account for 71% of the cost of that program. Wendel believes there are better ways to use that "rainy day" fund...

P.J. Wendel: need a broader perspective

The resolution was discussed during the legislature's June meeting and was referred to committee, with one lawmaker saying he needed more answers about where the money would come from.

Click here to listen to the entire "Viewpoint" interview with P.J. Wendel.

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