With bipartisan approval, the Erie County Legislature has passed a resolution voicing its opposition to the creation of an Erie County and Buffalo Library System special taxing district. This special taxing district would create another level of government that would hurt Erie County taxpayers. The resolution was approved 8-2.

“After much review, I am strongly in opposition to any proposal by the library system for a new special taxing district. Erie County residents are already burdened by some of the highest taxes in the country due largely to state mandates and taxing districts. A special library taxing district would be an added layer of unnecessary bureaucracy. I’d like to thank Library Director Mary Jean Jakubowski. As the discussion over the library’s proposal for a special taxing district has progressed over the years, she has continuously provided information and answered any questions our Legislators have had,” said Chairman John Mills, R-Orchard Park.

“Throughout my tenure, I have been a strong advocate of the libraries, understanding that the services provided by the neighborhood branches are vital to our community. I have enjoyed hosting library fundraisers in my district over the past eight years that have raised more than $40,000 dollars because I believe in the importance of our local libraries. This vote states that we have full confidence our county can fully fund the library system without burdening taxpayers with another taxing district,” concluded Chairman Mills.

“The Library taxing district would just create another layer of government that is not needed and this Legislature and County Executive have proven our commitment to funding the library system without the need for a special taxing district,” said Minority Leader Betty Jean Grant, D-Buffalo.

Any proposal for a special library taxing district by the Buffalo and Erie County Library System would require the Erie County Legislature to approve a home rule message, pursuant to Article IX section 2 of the New York State Constitution. Today’s vote has sent a clear message that the Legislature would not support that request. Additionally, the library taxing district proposal would need approval by the New York State Assembly, New York State Senate and Governor’s Office.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has also publicly stated his opposition to a special library taxing district. In his State of the County address, the County Executive discussed, at length, the issues of having so many taxing districts and called for the consolidation of districts and services, which will, in turn, save tax dollars.