How can we praise something we have not seen, read or even reviewed. I praise what we know, but would never rubber stamp anything. Last years budget the majority at the legislature amended and increased taxes $3,250,000. Let’s see what they do this year behind closed door.

Erie County Taxpayers Praise Final Budget

Erie County taxpayers are praising the final budget proposed by Erie County Executive, Joel Giambra. It does not include a property tax hike. Senior correspondent Rich Newberg runs down Giambra’s last spending plan.

Although he spoke in an almost empty chamber, Joel Giambra was clearly aiming for a bigger audience: taxpayers.

Joel Giambra, Erie County Executive, “This budget does not propose any increase in the county-wide property tax rate for 2008. There is no property tax increase again.”

No tax rate increase, although some peoples’ assessments have gone up and they would be paying more. The Convention and Visitors Bureau would get about $2.5 million dollars more, to promote tourism, and the Sheriff’s road patrols would continue to be funded. Lawmakers will get to modify the plan, and Chairman Lynn Marinelli says taxpayers are expecting them to “hold the line.”

Lynn Marinelli, Erie County Legislature Chair, “They don’t want to see at this point taxes going up because they’re seeing it at their school district or local government levels.”

Giambra is expecting resistance to his proposed $58-million dollars for big public projects.

Joel Giambra, Erie County Executive, “I expect to be criticized for this capital budget. But those critics who would abandon or neglect public property in order to achieve short term savings are simply wrong and ill-informed.”

The criticism is over long-term borrowing that might be necessary.

John Mills, R-Minority Leader, Erie County, “Bonding 58 to 60 million dollars, that’s additional debt we’re putting out there on the street. It’s going to cost the taxpayers of Erie County more money.”

Joel Giambra, Erie County Executive, “We did use restraint. At the same time, we’ve avoided reducing essential county services.”

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