West NY News

Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. has introduced the proposed 2025 Executive Budget, which aims to ensure responsible fiscal management, invest in essential services, and maintain a strong financial position while adhering to the state tax cap for the fifth year in a row.

The budget amounts to $301.9 million, including enterprise funds, and takes a balanced approach to sustaining essential services within the constraints of the state-mandated tax cap.

“Our 2025 budget reflects my strategy and vision,” said Wendel. “Chautauqua County will continue to provide services and programs at the highest level possible while maintaining our strong financial position.”

Despite rising unfunded mandates and a 3.4% inflation rate, Wendel emphasized ongoing efforts to keep the tax levy increase below the tax cap.

“We remain committed to keeping the tax levy at or below the tax cap limit, preserving Chautauqua County’s strong financial position by responsibly utilizing the general fund balance, and maintaining reserves between 5 and 15 percent of the County’s appropriations,” he explained.

Key highlights include investments in public safety, human services, infrastructure, and economic development. Forty-eight percent of the budget is allocated to Human Services, 24 percent to Public Facilities, and 18 percent to Public Safety. There are also capital projects with nearly $9.5 million for the Department of Public Facilities and over $750,000 for public safety funding.

A major challenge is unfunded mandates that account for over 61% of the total 2025 tax levy. These include Medicaid, Safety Net, and foster care costs. Wendel thanked State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell for their advocacy against these mandates.

“Thanks to our state representatives, and my advocacy on behalf of Chautauqua County, we are proud to announce that there will be no new unfunded mandates in 2025,” said Wendel.

Wendel also stressed maintaining a robust fund balance for long-term stability.

“Since I became County Executive, I have maintained a robust fund balance to ensure long-term financial stability for Chautauqua County. Under my administration, we have adhered to our financial management plan to utilize fund balance for one-time, non-recurring expenses,” he stated.

The proposed budget includes a reduction in the property tax rate to $6.72 per thousand dollars of assessed value—$0.19 lower than last year’s rate—marking five consecutive years of tax rate decreases under Wendel’s administration.

“When I took office in 2020, the tax rate was $8.46, and I am proud to announce that since my time in office, the tax rate has been reduced by $1.74,” Wendel announced.

In closing remarks, Wendel reiterated his commitment to sound fiscal management and strategic investments in Chautauqua County’s future.

“Once again, we have produced a budget that lowers the tax rate and maintains a strong financial position. This is more than a budget; this is a plan for success – a guide to a bright financial future,” Wendel concluded.

For more information on the proposed 2025 budget visit chqgov.com/2025Budget.