As we move closer toward the end of the year, it’s time to gear up for budget discussions at the Legislature. I’m hopeful we can work together to finalize the budget in a timely fashion, and most importantly, one that works in favor of the taxpayers.
Last year, we approved the budget unanimously and successfully lowered the county’s tax rate for the fourth consecutive year. I am optimistic that sales tax revenue in 2018 will exceed projections by 12 or 14 million dollars compared to the previous year and I’m hopeful we will have a strong fourth quarter. I will be sure to keep you up-to-date as budget discussions progress. As always, once the County Executive submits his budget in mid-October, I’ll be looking for your feedback and input to help prioritize our county spending.
In the meantime, I plan to schedule another road tour throughout my district to survey damage and identify potential drainage projects. In August, I spent a day with the Department of Public Works to evaluate needs for repair. Hopefully, we can work together to address these issues for the sake of public safety. The winter months are approaching, which could worsen already-damaged road conditions and create dangerous situations for commuters, school bus drivers and emergency crews. If you wish to report a pothole or poor road condition, please utilize the county hotline at (716) 858-7966 to leave a complaint or email potholes@erie.gov.
My colleagues and I have also recently met with the Citizens Salary Review Commission. This commission, established in 1986, is tasked with independently looking at the salaries of all elected officials in Erie County every few years. We had an interesting discussion and I look forward to hearing their recommendations. I voted against salary increases proposed in the 2014 recommendation for all officials and have real concerns about increasing any salaries, period. That being said, it’s been 18 years since salaries have been adjusted, and some officials salaries are far below their counterparts throughout the state.
We have to examine these proposals carefully. Do the taxpayers want to increase their officials’ pay? It’s unlikely. As legislators, we are here to serve the public. If they decide to offer raises to the legislature, I will not vote in favor of giving myself a raise. The commission is expected to present their final report October 9th before bringing it to the Legislature for a vote sometime this month.
The district I represent includes 15 towns and villages. I make an effort to attend regularly scheduled board meetings in each of them in order to hear directly from residents throughout the community. This month, I plan to attend board meetings in Evans, Farnham and Brant. If you have questions or comments about county-related issues, or would simply like to say hello, feel free to stop by one of the meetings. I would be happy to chat with you before or after. You can also reach my office at John.Mills@erie.gov or by phone at 716 858-8850.