In about a week the Legislature and Erie County residents will learn what the County Executive’s proposed 2017 budget will include. It is my sincere hope that the County Executive has done everything possible to respect the taxpayers of Erie County and not propose a tax increase.

As is customary, I expect the County Executive will hold a press conference announcing his selected highlights in the budget and later that day send copies of the budget to the Legislature where we will finally see it. As soon as we receive our copies, we will get to work on reviewing his plan.

My priorities remain unchanged for next year. We need to focus on the public safety of our residents and providing quality services they rely on. This includes the Sherriff’s Office, Department of Public Works, Social and Senior Services and others.

What I don’t want to see is the County Executive budgeting your tax dollars to add more patronage jobs or spending frivolously on his personal agenda. The County Executive has a history of proposing spending money on new and unnecessary jobs and pet projects.  A majority of the Legislature has had concerns about the County Executive’s long-term plan and worked with him to revise some of his spending requests. However, he and his administration were adamant that certain jobs and programs were necessary and it is my hope that they are prepared to budget for his vision without burdening taxpayers.

His track record since taking office hasn’t been great. The County Executive has never put forward a proposed budget with a tax decrease. The Legislature has worked to identify cuts to deliver a tax rate decrease to residents and we are prepared to go through the budget again to lower the tax rate as much as possible.  

I understand it can be difficult for residents to follow the budget process at any level of government. The Legislature will be making the proposed 2017 budget available online as soon as possible, and I encourage everyone to get involved. A public hearing will be held at a time and date to be announced. All residents are welcomed and encouraged to attend and speak about the budget. We also welcome written comments for those who are unable to attend. You can write to the Clerk of the Legislature at 92 Franklin St., Fourth Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202.

As always, if you ever have a question about a county matter, please contact my office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.