Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. has unveiled his proposed 2025 Executive Budget, emphasizing responsible fiscal management, essential service investments, and maintaining a strong financial position while staying under the state tax cap for the fifth consecutive year.
The proposed budget totals $301.9 million, including enterprise funds, and reflects a balanced approach to maintaining essential services while staying under the state-mandated tax cap.
“Our 2025 budget reflects my strategy and vision,” said Wendel. “Chautauqua County will continue to provide services and programs at the highest level possible while maintaining our strong financial position.”
Despite rising unfunded mandates and a 3.4% inflation rate, Wendel emphasized the County’s ongoing efforts to keep the tax levy increase below the tax cap.
“We remain committed to keeping the tax levy at or below the tax cap limit, preserving Chautauqua County’s strong financial position by responsibly utilizing the general fund balance, and maintaining reserves between 5 and 15 percent of the County’s appropriations,” he explained.
Key budget highlights include a focus on public safety, human services, infrastructure, and economic development. Forty-eight percent of the budget is allocated to Human Services, 24 percent to Public Facilities, and 18 percent to Public Safety. Wendel also underscored investments in capital projects, including nearly $9.5 million in the Department of Public Facilities and over $750,000 for public safety, which includes funding for the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Emergency Services.
A significant challenge the County faces is the burden of unfunded mandates, which account for over 61% of the total 2025 tax levy. These mandates include Medicaid, Safety Net, and foster care costs, among others. Wendel expressed gratitude to State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell for their continued advocacy against these mandates.
“Thanks to our state representatives, and my advocacy on behalf of Chautauqua County, we are proud to announce that there will be no new unfunded mandates in 2025,” said Wendel.
In addition to addressing unfunded mandates, Wendel emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust fund balance.
“Since I became County Executive, I have maintained a robust fund balance to ensure long-term financial stability for Chautauqua County. Under my administration, we have adhered to our financial management plan to utilize fund balance for one-time, non-recurring expenses,” he stated.
One of the most significant outcomes of the proposed budget is a reduction in the property tax rate to $6.72 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which is $0.19 below last year’s rate. This marks the fifth consecutive year of tax rate decreases under Wendel’s administration.
“When I took office in 2020, the tax rate was $8.46, and I am proud to announce that since my time in office, the tax rate has been reduced by $1.74,” Wendel announced.
In closing, Wendel reiterated his commitment to sound fiscal management and strategic investments in Chautauqua County’s future.
“Once again, we have produced a budget that lowers the tax rate and maintains a strong financial position. This is more than a budget; this is a plan for success – a guide to a bright financial future,” Wendel concluded.
Budget Address Transcript: 2025 Budget Speech Transcript.pdf Budget Address Power Point Slides: 2025 Budget Presentation.pdf
