This past November I was honored to again be elected to serve in the Erie County Legislature, representing the towns of Boston, Brant, Collins, Concord, Eden, Evans, Orchard Park, North Collins and Sardinia. Working with my constituents, local business owners and elected officials has been a privilege, and we have tackled a lot of goals. I look forward to serving another term to build on past success.

Erie County is an incredibly diverse county and serving the needs of all is a challenge. I was honored to again be elected Chairman by my colleagues in the Legislature, and will continue to work with all 10 Legislators to ensure we are doing what is best for the county as a whole. This includes funding critical programs without increasing the tax burden for residents.

Accomplishing what is best for Erie County requires we work very closely with the towns and villages. I want to thank the many town officials whose service has come to an end, and wish the best to their successors. There is a lot of change happening throughout Erie County and I look forward to working with the new supervisors, board members, clerks and other officials throughout the next year.

The New Year is also marked by the installation of local volunteer fire company’s officers. I want to congratulate each and every fire chief, president, officer and volunteer for their dedicated service to our towns and villages. As they begin a new year, my hope is that it is a very safe year.

This past budget process the Legislature allocated additional funds to help keep our volunteers safe during training. An additional $50,000 was added to the budget, without raising the bottom line, to purchase new turnout gear and equipment to be used at the county’s three training facilities. The money will be used to replace old gear that has far exceeded its life expectancy. I think this was a great investment by the Legislature to work with our volunteers who do so much for our community.

Recognizing that there is also a need for additional funding for fire companies to carry out their mission, I want to remind local fire departments and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are available. The funding can be used for training and additional resources that are necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel. The deadline is approaching. Applications are for federal Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) through FEMA are due Friday, Jan. 15. More information on this year’s AFG program can be found at www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

Also, don’t forget that HEAP outreaches are being held throughout January. Please contact my office at 858-8850 or at john.mills@erie.gov for questions. On Sunday, Jan. 24, Erie County is hosting Winterfest at Chestnut Ridge Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held with or without snow and will feature free family activities including: sledding, snowshoe hikes, marshmallow roasting, arts & crafts, snow sculpturing, hay rides, wood branding and much more.