Tentative 2027 County Budget Currently Down to 'Bare Bones,' Says Wendel

As Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel works on preparing next year's county budget, he says the spending plan is currently down to "the bare bones." Wendel gave an update on the budget process as a guest on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Monday. He says his departments have looked at everything and have made significant cuts in order to provide a budget that's "very tight." Wendel says there is nothing left but to cut services... 

P.J. Wendel: costs increasing every year

The Lakewood Republican also spoke about the latest attempt by Legislature Democrats to use $2 million of that balance to lower the tax levy. He says the county used $7 million of that "rainy day" fund for this year's budget, and that it was "disappointing" that Fred Larson did not mention that during last week's County Legislature meeting...

Wendel: disappointed in Larson's statement

He says the county will consider tapping into its undesignated fund balance. Wendel will present his tentative 2027 budget at the County Legislature's next meeting on September 23rd.

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

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