The Erie County Legislature approved the amended 2018 Erie County budget at today’s session by a vote of 11-0. The budget lowers the tax rate for the fourth consecutive year while providing funding for critical services and invests in several community organizations and service groups.

“I am pleased that Erie County has proven it can once again come together to finalize a responsible budget for the taxpayers of Erie County. I want to thank the administration, all county officials and departments, and my colleagues in the Legislature for all their hard work in finalizing the budget on time. We have once again delivered a tax rate decrease, which is not a simple task when dealing with the large amount of unfunded state mandates passed onto counties. In addition, we invested funds into key areas of the community that provide great services,” said Chairman John Mills.

“This budget addresses the needs of Erie County residents. It protects and funds critical services, including investments in infrastructure, the Sheriff’s Office, efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, and many others, while also decreasing the tax rate. In the coming year, I will continue to closely monitor Erie County’s budget to ensure that we are providing the best services possible without overextending taxpayer dollars with unnecessary spending,” said Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo, Chairman of the Budget Committee. 

Chairman Mills secured funding for the following organizations in his district:

Orchard Park Veterans Memorial Park (OP Legion Post 567) $10,000

WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway -- $3,000

Polish American Congress -- $10,000

North Collins Legion Post 1640 -- $4,000

General Pulaski Association -- $20,000

WNY Railway Historic Society -- $5,000

Evans-Brant Citizens for Responsible Choices -- $2,000

Eden-North Collins Food Pantry -- $4,000