For the second consecutive year, the Legislature’s Republican-aligned Majority Caucus delivered a tax decrease to the residents of Erie County. The 2016 Erie County budget, which was approved Dec. 1, lowers the tax rate while still funding services and programs that are important to residents.

We are proud of the work the Legislature has done since receiving the County Executive’s budget in mid-October. The Executive didn’t deliver the tax relief that residents and businesses need. Through sensible cuts, we’ve provided that relief and identified funding priorities.

The Legislature approved the Sheriff’s Office’s proposal to hire two additional deputies for the Narcotics Unit that will focus on the heroin/opioid epidemic in our community. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 150 local residents have reportedly died from overdoses, while numerous more lives were saved by Narcan. Too many families have been impacted by this issue, and we believe a community effort is needed to stop it. The Legislature applauds the Sheriff for recognizing this need and prioritizing it in his budget.

The Legislature also took a long look at the County Executive’s list of proposed new jobs and met with the individual departments to determine their necessity. Based on these conversations, we cut several of the new jobs, determining they were unnecessary and far too costly. As government adjusts to today’s changing needs, filling the budget with jobs and benefit costs would be irresponsible. We have established that the county can still deliver the necessary services without adding jobs. Out of respect for the taxpayers of Erie County, who constantly make adjustments in their own lives to make ends meet, government must lead by example and operate with a similar approach.

We also recognize that Erie County delivers some very important services, including many that help save lives. Recognizing the need to protect our most vulnerable residents, the Legislature voted to add positions in the Department of Social Services, where these individuals will work closely with at-risk families to help protect children from abuse. We believe these individuals are necessary to help this department turn itself around and better serve those in need.

The quality of life services that residents utilize most, such as libraries and parks, are also well funded in next year’s budget. We believe these services add a great deal of value to Erie County and we take pride in our library and parks systems. Once again, we proved that having a working relationship with the county’s cultural organizations results in smart investment. Many of these organizations help to make Western New York the great region it is, and draw in many visitors and generate revenue. The Legislature also invested additional funding in Erie Community College.

We didn’t become one of the highest taxed areas in the nation overnight. The tax rate went up incrementally. Decreases will likely happen the same way. The Majority Caucus has proven that we can adjust the county’s budget, invest in critical programs, support service and cultural organizations, and deliver a tax decrease to residents two years in a row. We truly believe that every penny counts, whether it is an increase or decrease.

We urge the County Executive to support the Legislature’s adopted budget. Going forward it is our hope that the County Executive hears our message and the message of residents that he should not surrender to the notion that there is nothing we can do about our tax rate. The Majority Caucus has demonstrated that we will not accept status quo, and we will continue to fight to lower your taxes responsibly.

Erie County Legislature

Majority Caucus

Chairman John Mills

Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo

Legislator Lynne Dixon

Legislator Kevin Hardwick

Legislator Ted Morton

Legislator Edward Rath