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For three years, Chautauqua County Legislature Democrats have called for reducing the budget surplus -- that totals more than $30 million -- by $2 million. Since they are the minority party, they have failed because Republicans have not once backed the idea.
Considering the most recent meeting last week, that could be changing. Though a vote to give back the $2 million failed, there were Republican legislators who began to speak out about reducing the slush fund. Most notably, Legislator Fred Johnson of Westfield mentioned giving back some $15 million to $20 million.
What's most important in this issue is simple. That money Chautauqua County is holding on to belongs to you -- the taxpayer. This is a matter of county government consistently underestimating revenues and hoarding dollars that could be used to reduce the tax levy.
In this week's poll, "Do you think a $35 million surplus of funds is too much in Chautauqua County?" respondents agree with 57% saying yes and 43% voting "no."
This week's poll question: Should the new hospital being built in Fredonia keep "Brooks" as part of its name?