As we are well into the holiday season and wrapping up the year, I’m happy to report that the adopted 2018 Erie County budget reduces the tax rate for the fourth consecutive year.

Unlike the lack of cooperation you often see in Washington, D.C., and Albany, here in Erie County we were able to work together across party lines to come to an agreement. After the conclusion of the budget hearings and a public hearing to gather public input on the county executive’s proposed budget, I worked to negotiate a deal to benefit all county residents.

This budget funds key initiatives while reducing the county’s tax rate. While I certainly don’t agree with the county executive on everything, we found common ground to provide for a fiscally responsible budget while making sure our county continues to invest in the services our residents expect and deserve.

I’m pleased to report that the amendments I proposed passed the legislature unanimously. I’d like to thank the county executive for working with my colleagues and myself in a bipartisan manner. More than 90 percent of the county’s budget is dictated by mandates from New York State, often giving very little room to maneuver. This year we were successful in reducing the property tax rate for the fourth year in a row, while investing more in our community.

Additional funding was added for Erie Community College as part of the county’s efforts to increase our annual contribution to the school. I have strongly opposed ECC’s recent budget plans as they have included an annual tuition increase, placing a higher burden on students. This is unacceptable, and the reason why we increased the county’s annual contribution to ECC by half a million dollars. This funding is a good step in standing up for our students. I look forward to continuing to work with the new president of ECC in order to get the college on solid financial footing.

We also provided funding to several organizations throughout my legislative district, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Aurora, Elma, Marilla and Wales, and Holland; the Roycroft Campus Corporation; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County; the Rural Outreach Center; the West Seneca CERT Team; and West Seneca, Aurora, Elma and Marilla senior centers. We also added additional medical examiners to help address the backlog resulting from the ongoing opioid epidemic.

During the same meeting that we approved the budget, the legislature also approved the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ contract through December 2021. This resolution did not come easy. When negotiations stalled last year after the administration refused to address issues properly, the legislature stepped in to approve a one-time payment for the members. I believe this intervention was needed at the time after negotiations ceased and the needs of union members were being ignored. In the end, a fair deal was agreed upon and I hope that going forward both sides can avoid unnecessary delays.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2018. If I can ever be of assistance, please call me at 858-8892 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.