2021 Budget Passed By County Legislature, Tax Rate Increased

MAYVILLE — The Chautauqua County Legislature passed the 2021 county budget with an increase of five-cents per thousand in the full-value tax rate.

Lawmakers voiced concerns that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of uncertainty regarding revenue and the budget process.

Under the approved budget the full value tax rate will increase to $8.51 per thousand under the spending plan, an increase from $8.46.

When preparing the budget, County Executive P.J. Wendel said the plan reflected the impact and realities of COVID-19.

The budget he proposed reflects “the efforts made by the COVID-19 Finance team, department heads and county employees to help keep this year’s budget in line and to better prepare us for next year,” Wendel said.