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Legislature approves funding to alliance for urgent lake needs

MAYVILLE — Debate ensued among county legislators on Wednesday over a proposal to commit funds to support Chautauqua Lake amid uncertainties and concerns over weed growth and harmful algal blooms.

After exchanges over how much to give, a majority of legislators agreed that $100,000 was necessary for the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance to support efforts on the lake. Legislators also agreed during Wednesday’s meeting that funding wouldn’t be used for herbicide application on the lake after a number of local residents voiced their concerns.

By a 13-4 vote, the legislature approved to commit funds from the occupancy tax reserve to the Alliance to support needs on Chautauqua Lake for the 2017 season. The proposal was brought forth by County Executive Vince Horrigan in an effort to support lake maintenance, if needed, through the end of the summer season.

The Alliance is comprised of various local organizations, and funding would be dispersed to respond to changing lake conditions and to support Alliance member projects. Funding was restricted by legislators solely for operational purposes.

The four legislators voting no on the proposal were Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk; Jay Gould, R-Ashville; Charles Nazzaro, D-Jamestown; and Lisa Vanstrom, R-West Ellicott. Some acknowledged disagreement with the level of funding committed and the notion that a blank check was being written. However, all legislators agreed to keep public funding away from any kind of herbicide application on the lake.

“The legislature needs to make it known that we stand with the populace on the herbicide issue,” said Paul Whitford, D-Jamestown.

Legislator Mark Odell, R-Brocton, brought forward amendments to the proposal that placed restrictions for the $100,000. Specifically, funds would dispersed as needed. In the case for local match funds for projects, the county would disperse funds to the Alliance on a reimbursement basis after expenses occur. The Alliance will be required to report back to the legislature regarding the expending of funds.

“This body is tasked with keeping a mindful eye on all expenditures, and this amendment should allow for maximum transparency and fiscal oversight,” Odell said.

An amendment was brought forward by Nazzaro to decrease funding to $50,000, but not enough votes were secured.

Legislator George Borrello, R-Hanover, said the proposal allows funding should organizations need it for removal of lake vegetation, while legislator Mark Tarbrake, R-Jamestown, said safeguards are in place to assure funds are used properly.

Vanstrom said she supports lake efforts. However, she said she would like to know how funds are expended before they are allocated. Gould considered the proposal “a blank check.”

“You have to know where the money is spent before you allot the money,” he said.

Before a vote commenced on the proposal, a number of residents took to the microphone to urge legislators not to disperse public funds for any kind of herbicide application. Jan Bowman, biology professor at Jamestown Community College, and Becky Nystrom, member of the Alliance’s Scientific Review and Advisory Committee, were among those who spoke. Both stated their concerns over the recent use of herbicide in Bemus Bay and its potential impacts on the lake.

“We don’t understand the impacts and consequences,” Nystrom said. “There are chronic and synergistic unknowns.”

As a scientist, Bowman told legislators she was disturbed that the application occurred in Bemus Bay.

“We shouldn’t endorse what we know little about,” she said regarding herbicide use.

In other matters, the legislature unanimously approved a resolution to maintain an 8 percent sales tax and a 5 percent occupancy tax through 2020. County legislators sent a request to the state in late May to maintain both tax rates. State legislators gave their approval during a special session in late June. Unlike previous years where counties were granted two-year extensions, state legislators agreed to extend sales tax and other tax rates for three years through 2020.

With a 12-5 vote, the legislature decided to transfer a tax-foreclosed property on Fairmount Avenue in Busti back to the owner in Lee Fischer. Administrative Services Committee members last week approved an offer from the town of Busti to acquire property, which county law allows.

Legislators decided to give the property back to Fischer after he told legislators how much he had invested in it and what his plans are. Fischer expressed thanks to the legislature for reconsidering.

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