AP file photo Chautauqua County legislators don’t believe in lowering the sales tax that contributes to higher fuel prices.

Right as the summer travel season kicked into full gear, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel indicated he is heated over prices at the pump. Last week in a letter, he called on state and federal authorities to investigate the gasoline costs being paid by motorists here at home.

“Families, small businesses, and commuters are paying more at the pump than their neighbors in surrounding counties,” Wendel said. “This disparity demands answers and, if necessary, action to protect the economic well-being of our community.”

Numbers from the American Automobile Association support his remarks. This week, the New York state price was $3.21 per gallon, up 10 cents from June 16. In Chautauqua County, the region’s cost held steady at $3.40 per gallon.

Across the nation, however, the figures were fluctuating due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, which was rattling the oil markets. Oil is the primary ingredient in gasoline, AAA said, and the price per barrel is climbing after U.S. airstrikes at targets in Iran over the weekend marked an escalation of tensions in the region.

Though Wendel has a point with the motorists he serves here, it is even worse for neighboring areas to the south. In Warren County, the average price per gallon was $3.62. Considering the city of Warren, Pa., is home to United Refining, that makes the higher cost there one more head scratcher.

Pennsylvania’s fuel prices, once greeted with glee by New York residents crossing the border, have become a major disappointment for its constituents. Those major increases began in 2014 under then-Gov. Tom Corbett through a transportation funding bill.

As the wholesale fuel taxes climbed, gas and diesel suppliers in the Keystone State were expected to pass along the entire increase to consumers. In return, those proceeds would bring an accelerated schedule of transportation projects to bolster the state’s economy and enhance public safety.

Eleven years later, road and highway improvements by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are noticeable. But there is no denying the burden on motorists.

At its inception, the Pennsylvania tax was about 41 cents per gallon. In 2025, the cost has risen to 58 cents.

Those fees have made Pennsylvania notorious with travelers as it has the eighth highest price for gasoline among the 50 states.

New York’s fees are a combination of a state excise tax of 8.05 cents and the sales tax rate. Here in Chautauqua County, that is an additional 8% — something Republicans in the Legislature did not want to reduce when the topic was discussed in March. In a sense, through that decision, legislators have contributed to higher prices at the pump.

In addition, there is a federal tax of 18 cents that is consistent no matter what state you visit.

Wendel’s recent letter on the topic also made note of the county’s 16.7% poverty rate. He said higher-than-average gas prices impose a higher burden on low-income county residents.

“Our residents deserve transparency, fairness, and relief,” Wendel stated in the letter. “We must ensure that no market manipulation or price gouging is taking place at the expense of working families.”

While all Wendel’s points in the letter make sense, none of them mirror how county government currently operates. While being flush with excess cash — totaling $38 million — not once has this body considered poverty rates while consistently increasing taxes and fees to its constituents.

Legislators and officials here far too often complain about New York policies or note that its $302 million budget is heavy on state mandates that are being passed on to residents. That is not completely true.

There were 1,349 total county employees in 2024 — up from 1,295 in 2019 — a 4% increase. Staffing numbers, as well as the costs and benefits of $100 million — all locally controlled — are one-third of the total budget.

In 2022, when the county noted fuel prices were too high, legislators approved capping the gas tax at $3 per gallon. While relief proved to be minimal, it still provided savings for residents.

A similar action could be taken by the County Legislature now. But this group of elected representatives in Mayville — 14 of them being Republican — has made it abundantly clear. Despites its overflowing coffers, it wants every possible penny from visitors and taxpayers.

That includes the funds from the high gas prices you keep paying right here at home.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and the Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.