If the Chautauqua County Home is going to be sold, it will be a decision that is made by the Chautauqua County Legislature – and not through a public referendum. That’s the word from Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, according to an article in today’s Jamestown Post-Journal.
In the article, Edwards said he recently talked with the county law department and learned that a countywide referendum to sell or lease the County Home is not possible. Edwards said that several court decisions and opinions limit public referendums without authorization by state statute. The county executive adds that there is currently no state statute authorizing either a binding or advisory referendum to sell the County Home. As a result, the final decision on the fate of the county home will rest on the shoulders of the Chautauqua County Legislature.
An Ad-hoc committee that will look for a solution to the County Home financial troubles is set to meet Wednesday night in Mayville. It begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
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