Midterm races, Chautauqua County Legislature seats, and even a City Council Ward race are all on the ballot for Election Day today. Governor Kathy Hochul is running for a second four-year term on the Democrat and Working Families line against … [Read more...]
County Legislature Approves $330 Million Budget By Vote Of 10-9
The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved the $330 million 2027 county budget by a vote of 10 to 9. In the Legislature’s Audit & Control Committee, legislators amended County Executive PJ Wendel’s proposed budget to raise the tax levy by … [Read more...]
County Legislature Approves Law Requiring Motorists To Move Over 3 Feet For Non-Motorists
The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved a local law requiring motorists move over three feet when passing non-motorists. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone spoke during privilege of the floor, voicing his concerns over enforcement of … [Read more...]
County Legislature Seats Up For Election Again In November Thanks To Even Year Voting Change
Chautauqua County Legislature seats are on the November General Election ballot again under New York State’s new even year election law. The U.S. Supreme Court, last month, declined to hear a case on the state law that pushed local elections to … [Read more...]
County Legislature Passes $309.7 Million 2026 Budget With 54-Cent Tax Rate Decrease
The Chautauqua County Legislature has passed a $309.7 million budget that includes a 54-cents per thousand decrease in the tax rate. Jamestown Legislator Fred Larson proposed an amendment to the budget to take another $2 million from the … [Read more...]
County Legislature Unanimously Approves Three Union Contracts
Three county union contracts have received approval by the Chautauqua County Legislature. The contracts for DSACC, CCSSA, and CSEA Unit 6322 are for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029. The DSACC contract includes wage increases of 4% for … [Read more...]
County Legislature Approves Performance Measures For Planning & Development Dept., Votes Down Job Growth Goal
The Chautauqua County Legislature approved performance measures for the Planning & Development Department, but voted down an amendment to add job creation goals. The goals approved include improving the quality of life of all county residents, … [Read more...]
Additional 1% County Sales Tax Resolution Referred Back To Committee
A resolution to continue the additional 1% sales tax in Chautauqua County has been referred back to committee. The current sales tax in Chautauqua County is 8%, with the county required to make a request to New York State every two years for any … [Read more...]
County Legislature Passes 2024 Budget With 21-Cent Tax Rate Decrease
The Chautauqua County Legislature has passed along party lines a budget for 2025 that reduces the tax rate by 21-cents. The budget passed reflects a Real Property Tax Levy of $73,256,471 which is $164,976 less than what County Executive PJ Wendel … [Read more...]
County Legislature Approves Setting General Fund Balance Target
After more than a half hour of discussion, the Chautauqua County Legislature approved setting a target for the general fund balance. The update to the County's Financial Management Policy includes the language that the County "...shall strive to … [Read more...]
