County Lawmakers Turn Down Another Offer to Reduce Tax Levy

Chautauqua County lawmakers have again rejected a minority Democrat proposal to use $2 million in undesignated fund balance to eliminate a tax levy increase next year. However, some prominent majority Republicans say they would like to see a larger reduction in 2027. That was the outcome of Wednesday's 10-8 defeat of the proposal by Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson. Minority Leader Robert Bankoski of Dunkirk says after pushing the idea the past three years, he's excited by the possibilities...

Robert Bankoski: I'm excited

Larson said it would help local taxpayers already burdened by high gas, and grocery prices. He noted a recent comment by Westfield Republican Fred Johnson that the current, more than $31 million in fund balance is "excessive." Johnson wants it to be a "true rainy day" fund...

Fred Johnson: needs analysis

Stockton lawmaker John Penhollow -- the one Republican who supported the measure -- said he was doing it "reluctantly." GOP Majority Leader Jamie Gustafson of Lakewood adds she's willing to look at that as well...

Jamie Gustafson: we could do better

However, Larson later noted that the county charter says the legislature should establish goals and objectives for the budget prior to it coming out in September. He noted that his was the only one brought forth.

The legislature did have the chance to use more money when Jamestown Democrat Bob Whitney proposed amending the amount of fund balance used to $3 million. However, that was defeated in a 12-6 vote.

Image and audio from Chautauqua County Government