Wendel Reacts to Committee's Recommendation of Using Less Fund Balance in 2027 Budget

Chautauqua County lawmakers will take action next week on County Executive P.J. Wendel's proposed $330 million budget following their review of the spending plan. Wendel says the legislature's Audit and Control Committee has recommended raising the tax levy by $1.8 million, using less undesignated fund balance than he proposed. Wendel, who was a guest on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Friday, lamented that the budget process has become a "political football"...

P.J. Wendel: complaints over fund balance

The Lakewood Republican says he stands by his proposal, but added that "it's fine" if the levy increases to the tax cap...

P.J. Wendel: what could be done if levy increases

Wendel has proposed using approximately $11.5 million of the county's "rainy day" fund to keep the tax levy flat. If the committee's recommendation is approved, the county's tax levy for 2027 would increase to $76.8 million, but the property tax rate would still be 71 cents lower compared to this year.

Click here to listen to today's full "Viewpoint" interview featuring County Executive P.J. Wendel.

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