County Legislature approves $294.1-million, 2024 Budget in party-line vote...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved a $294-million, 2024 budget that cuts the tax rate by 89-cents per $1,000 full value. Lawmakers approved the spending plan after some debate by a 15-to-4, party line vote. Minority Democrats did try to amend the budget twice... once by moving an additional $l-million from the undesignated fund balance to offset taxes. However... Audit and Control Committee Chairman, Republican Dan Pavlock cautioned that there are some unknowns in the coming year... and, that one time "employee vacancy savings" have likely been used up because that's how some department heads were able to reduce their spending. The amendment was defeated, 4-to-15... as was one to eliminate the relatively new Media Information Officer position. Democrats said that would save just under $100,000. Jamestown Democrat Billy Torres says the person filling that position was actually in the media prior to this... and, often covering the legislature meetings. Torres says, while Justin Gould has done a good job, it shouldn't be at taxpayer expense. Legislature Republicans also pointed out that some of the newer, added expenses were significant... totaling $2.9-million. Lawmakers were able to find some additional savings to offset that. The spending plan already used just over $1-million in fund balance to offset a slight increase in the tax levy.
Colony Motel fire remains under investigation, investigators asking public's help...
The investigation into the huge fire that's destroyed a more than 70 year-old, landmark hotel in West Ellicott is underway. Celoron firefighters were called to the Colony Motel at 620 Fairmount Ave. just after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to battle the blaze... which apparently began in the center portion of the structure. Celoron Fire Chief Jamison Justham says that part of the building was heavily-involved in fire when they arrived... and it was spreading to the two wings of rooms on each side. Two aerial trucks were still on the scene late Tuesday morning pouring water on the building. Justham says there were 15 guests staying at the hotel... and, officials now say four people had to go to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries... two of them were firefighters. County fire investigators say if anyone has information on the blaze, or were in the area just before the fire broke out, they're asking you to call them at (716) 661-7232...or Ellicott Town Police at 665-7083.
Former Colony Motel owner, Mary McAuliffe, talks about when the family owned it...
After 70 years of welcoming guests, the loss of the landmark Colony Motel in West Ellicott to fire has saddened many, including Mary Anne McAuliffe. She and he late husband Denis owned the business at 620 Fairmount Ave. for around 40 years... through the early 2000s. The family subsequently moved to a nearby house on Houston Avenue. As a 'mom and pop' operation, Mary Anne says working at the Colony gave their four children a unique upbringing because they often did odd jobs and "regular" jobs at the business. The McAuliffes' acquired the Colony in the early 1960's. Mary Anne McAuliffe remembers the crowds that came in the early years to the furniture shows in Jamestown. Space was so scarce, she would occasionally have a guest sleeping on the family sofa.
Jamestown School Board approves putting $126-Mill., Phase-Two Capital Project up for public vote...
The Jamestown School Board has approved putting a $126-million, five-year capital project up for a public vote in December. Board President Paul Abbott says the project will have no impact on local taxes... as the district is reimbursed by New York State at a rate of 98% on such projects. In a press release... Abbott adds that the district has been able to save up the remaining two-percent of the cost over the past few years. He says the project to be presented to community members for a vote on Tuesday, Dec. 12... with a public hearing on Dec. 5. Abbott adds that "the Board of Education has made the continual improvements of our buildings, facilities, and infrastructure a priority and has been diligent in accomplishing this work in the most cost-effective way possible for our community." This second, five-year project is part of the district's 10-year plan to improve the district’s school buildings following a 2019 Building Condition Survey. The public hearing on Dec. 5, will be held in the Board Room at the Administration Building at 5:45 p.m. The vote will be held Dec. 12 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the president schools... Lincoln Elementary... and, Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools.
Chautauqua Co. airports receiving $1.6-million from NYS for infrastructure and security projects...
Chautauqua County’s two public airports have received $1.6-million in funding from New York State for infrastructure and security enhancements. In a press release... Airport Manager Shannon Fischer says Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that $49-million will be allocated for strategic infrastructure enhancements to improve safety, facilitate innovation, leverage existing resources, advance business development, and promote sustainability and resiliency at public-use airports across the state. The Jamestown Airport is slated to receive $1.1-million to improve existing commercial space inside the terminal building... replace a rapid heating system for an existing hangar... and, replace the current security camera system in and around the terminal. At the Dunkirk Airport... the state is awarding $500,000 for the replacement of two existing bi-fold hangar doors from the 1960’s with new electric bi-fold doors.
