The proposed 2016 Erie County budget holds the line on taxes and totals $1.6 billion. Starting next week, on Monday, Nov. 9, the Legislature will conduct budget hearings throughout the week with each of the departments to discuss their individual budget to ensure critical services are being funded while identifying areas where we can possibly save money.  

The Legislature will take the next month to identify changes we wish to make to the County Executive’s budget and vote on any amendments at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 Annual Budget Meeting. This is also the opportunity for residents to get involved and voice their support or concerns. Anyone with comments about the $1.6 billion budget is encouraged to speak at the public hearing, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23. All speakers will be allowed 3 minutes. Residents wishing to comment on the budget can also do so by emailing the Clerk of the Legislature at karen.mccarthy@erie.gov or mail to the Clerk of the Legislature, 92 Franklin St., Fourth Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Soon after the proposed budget is released I receive a lot of feedback from residents. I am pleased to see so many residents engaged and concerned. If you wish to review the budget, click on the following links:

Erie County 2016 Budget: Message and Summary

Erie County 2016 Budget: PROPOSED, Book A - Operating Funds

Erie County 2016 Budget: PROPOSED, Book B - Special Funds 

My colleagues and I have been reviewing the budget line by line since it was released in October and have discussed changes we will consider making. Throughout the process we will meet with departments to work with them on ensuring programs and services are funded while being mindful of taxpayers.

In other news, the county will open the 2015 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) on Monday, Nov. 16. You can find information about HEAP, the 2015-2016 guidelines and more at www.erie.gov. You can also call the HEAP Hotline at 858-7644 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you ever have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 858-8850 or john.mills@erie.gov. I will be announcing HEAP Outreaches being held in my district soon.

I also wanted to remind residents about Erie County’s Yellow Dot program. As I was driving the other day I noticed a car with the iconic Yellow Dot sticker and was pleased to see the resident had taken this initiative to protect themselves. The Yellow Dot program is very simple but can be lifesaving.  If a first responder sees a Yellow Dot on a vehicle when he/she arrives at the scene of an emergency, they know to check the glove box for the Yellow Dot Medical Form that includes critical health information about the driver or passenger. This information allows the first responder to better access the victim’s condition and react appropriately. If you wish to receive a Yellow Dot kit, please contact my office at 858-8850. You can also place this sticker on your front door or window and should place the medical form on your refrigerator.