Olean Star

Latest News

The Olean Common Council approved a $29.1million budget for 2025-26 Tuesday 5-2. From left are Alderman Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, who voted against the budget; Mayor Bill Aiello and Council; President John Crawford, D-Ward 5, who voted to pass the budget.

Olean Common Council passes $29.1 million budget by 5-2 vote

April 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to adopt a $29,149,462 budget for 2025-26 that carries a 6% tax hike. The general fund is $19.8

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Administrator Jack Searles sits behind his desk in Olean. Searles is planning to step down in June and retire after almost 22 years in the post. He is in his 46th year of working for the county.

Jack Searles to step down as county administrator in June

April 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Cattaraugus County Administrator John “Jack” Searles plans to tell county lawmakers Wednesday of his plans to step down in June from the post he’s held

Schmidt honored with Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award

April 8, 2025

SAN ANTONIO, TX — While the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four took center stage in San Antonio over this past weekend, there was more than just elite level basketball to

Common Council to vote on $19.8 million city budget Tuesday

April 8, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Finance Committee Chairman Sonya McCall hopes to pass the 2025-26 Olean city budget with its 6% property tax hike on Tuesday night as planned. The

Giglio predicts final passage of $237 billion state budget bills on Saturday with ‘hold harmless’ policy for schools intact

April 19, 2024

By RICK MILLER CattCoNews&Photos ALBANY — Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda, said Friday afternoon that it appears the state’s hold harmless policy for school districts would continue. The policy guaranteed school