By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Tuesday’s review of the proposed $23.2 million City of Olean budget for 2026-27 by the Olean Common Council started with some good news.
Finance Committee Chairwoman Sonya McCall reported a significant cut in the proposed 18.69% property tax hike to about 10.82 percent.
“And we are just beginning,” McCall added. “The goal is to have a tax rate that’s reasonable for residents and preserve the services we have.”
Some of the budget modifications included was $125,000 in overestimated interest payments and a $65,000 overestimation of airport payroll. Also, interfund transfers were revised and $100,000 placed in the contingncy to reduce the gap. The city will also save $30,000 by adding credit card fees to customers’ bills.
Mayor Amy B. Sherburne made it clear that the initial 18.69% tax hike in her first proposed budget, is “a number that was obviously unreasonable to all of us.” The line-by-line review with the new budget software and input from aldermen shows the process is working.
There was no discussion of the $780,000 the city has been told to expect in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities, up from the current $260,000 a year. Aldermen were cautious about what to do with the windfall that came after the mayor’s budget had been filed, since it was not clear whether it was a one-time increase or a recurring revenue.
Public Works Director James Sprague continued his budget presentation from last Thursday. He is proposing a new hire that would split time between the Streets Division and Parks and Recreation. That led to prolonged discussion by aldermen, who questioned whether the union would file a grievance over cross training.
The mayor said it was an attempt to have someone scheduled for weekends as the city looks to schedule more weekend events to bring visitors into the city.
Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., I-Ward 6, said he would like to see a letter from the union before proceeding with any decision on cross training of employees.
Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, said he was not in favor of hiring nine part-time summer workers after witnessing crews drive across the city for a 15-minute break. He also urged city officials to consider reducing the fleet of vehicles the city maintains.
There was also discussion by the mayor about encouraging the Olean Oilers baseball team to increase their admission at Bradner Stadium to be able to pay the city more for its use. The team pays less than $10,000, while the city expenses are more than $40,000 a year.
Alderman John Crawford, D-Ward 5, asked whether someone could approach the Olean City School District about helping pay electricity costs for night football games
Aldermen also heard from Police Chief Ron Richardson who pointed out the 34 officers the police are short of the 40-man roster target. It will be a couple of more years before than happens due to upcoming retirements and the current rate of hiring.
The council’s budget review continues Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
Besides the proposed $23.2 million budget, the mayor has submitted a $4.5 million budget for the Water Fund and $5.2 million for the Sewer Fund, including an 11% rate hike. Together they total more than $33 million.
The initial 18.69% tax rate increase carried a $3.31 hike to $21.06 per $1,000 assessed value.
The budget is due to be passed by April 15, and goes into effect on June 1.
