County Legislature to vote on proposed, $330-million, 2027 budget tonight...
The Chautauqua County Legislature is expected to vote tonight 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 by using less undesignated fund balance than he proposed. The Lakewood Republican lamented that the budget process has become a "political football" with some who wanted a flat tax levy in 2027 using more undesignated fund balance... now don't want to do that. Wendel says he stands by his proposal, but added that "it's fine" if the levy increases to the tax cap. He has proposed using about $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 per $1,000 lower compared to this year.
Man from Westfield arrested for alleged assaults during Motel altercation...
A Westfield man is accused of assaulting multiple victims during an altercation last weekend at the Thruway Motel in the town of Westfield. Westfield Village Police say they were called to the scene on North Portage Road just before 5:30 p.m. last Sunday for a reported disturbance. When officers arrived... they found an active physical altercation still underway. Police intervened... and, took 18 year-old Caleb Dellahoy into custody for second-degree assault... and, third-degree criminal mischief. The criminal mischief stems from "significant property damage" Dellahoy allegedly caused during another incident. Police say during a subsequent encounter at a local medical facility... Dellahoy became combative toward medical personnel and police officers. They say that incident remains under investigation... and, additional charges are expected. Dellahoy was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
Langworthy talks about affordability during campaign...
Affordability remains the top issue on the minds of voters nationwide... and, in the 23rd Congressional District race. Incumbant Republican Nick Langworthy argues that we are still seeing the effects of COVID when trillions of federal dollars were put in place to help restart the economy. Langworthy says even a long-time Democrat economist said the added spending would keep prices high for some time. He says the country printed money to allow for stimulus checks to go out during COVID. Langworthy says even Democratic economis Larry Summers said the funding would supercharge the economy... but, create long-term inflation. He added "it has." However... gasoline prices -- in particular diesel prices -- have shot up tremendously since the start of the war with Iran. Langworthy didn't discount the impact of the war... but, also argued that the administration is taking steps to increase the amount of oil and natural gas production in the U.S. He says that has helped the economy in Pennsylvania. Langworthy says he believes the best way to bring down inflation is to "grow wages... create more jobs... and more opportunity... and, not stiffle growth." He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Glenora Radio Network stations.
Ecklund responds to City Council rejection of Mayor's vehicle purchase...
The Jamestown City Council has defeated a proposal to buy-out the current leased vehicle used by Mayor Kim Ecklund for city business. The $18,971 purchase from Ed Shults Chevrolet was defeated in a tie vote, 4-to-4... with Council President Regina Brackman... absent from the meeting. Republican Councilman Andrew Faulkner says he voted against the lease agreement in 2023 when Eddie Sunquist was still mayor... and, he opposed the buy-out now. However... Ecklund feels it's still the best way to go... because the money to buy the vehicle is already there in the 2026 contingency account. She says she will talk about that at the council's Nov. 9 work session. Ecklund says the cost shift will be because her personal vehicle will have to be used for city business... at a reimbursement rate of 76-cents a mile.... and, she adds thats likely to go to 80-cents next year. In addition... she says there's a liability issue with anyone that would travel with her... and additional mileage costs. In a Facebook post... City Council candidate Jason Sample says the city has already adopted provisions under state Public Officers Law that provide legal defense and indemnification protections for city officers and employees acting within the scope of their official duties.
Boil and Conserve Water Orders now in effect in Fredonia...
A Boil Water Order has now been issued for the village of Fredonia's water sytem... in addition to the Conserve Water Order. The village and the Chautauqua County Health Department issued the boil order Tuesday morning. The Health Department reports conserving water will help the situation by reducing the demand for water... and, reduce the strain on the water treatment plant equipment. Officials say the water entering the treatment plant from the Fredonia Reservoir has "high-levels" of organic material that is causing problems with the filtration system at the water treatment plant. Due to multiple days of increased wear on the filtration equipment, including the aging filter media, the turbidity levels of the treated water do not meet State Health Department safety standards even after the water passes through the filters. The state Health Department requires that anytime water is not adequately treated a boil water order must be issued.
