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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne said Friday new state aid will help reduce the 18.6% tax rate in the proposed $23.2 million city budget.

Mayor not surprised at reaction to proposed 18.6% tax rate hike; new state aid to reduce it

February 21, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne wasn’t surprised at the negative

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne on Thursday presented a $23.2 million budget for 2026-2027 that carries a $3.31 tax increase or 18.6%.

Sherburne’s first proposed budget contains 18.6% property tax hike

February 19, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star In her first proposed budget, Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Common Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., I-Ward 6, and Finance Committee Chairwoman Sonya McCall, D-Ward 4, at a recent meeting. The 2026-27 city budget was three days late, but was not addressed Tuesday because it was not on the agenda.

Sherburne expected to submit proposed 2026-27 budget on Thursday, four days after it was due

February 18, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Each Feb. 15, the Olean mayor presents a proposed 2026-27

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Members of the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Board discuss a proposed $6 million Olean brownfield cleanup project Tuesday.

Developer seeks IDA sales tax exemption on River Street brownfield cleanup

February 17, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — A local developer is proposing a brownfield cleanup

(City of Olean) The John J. Ash Community Center on North Barry Street will now be open as a warming center Sundays for Code Blue events to give people somewhere to keep warm. It is already open other days in days where the temperature drops below freezing.

John J. Ash Community Center open Sunday for Code Blue event

February 14, 2026

John J. Ash Community Center open Sunday for Code Blue event By RICK MILLER Olean

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A group of people skate on the synthetic ice surface at the Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond, where a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting were held Friday in Salamanca.

Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond grand re-opening held in Salamanca Friday

February 14, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star SALAMANCA — The City of Salamanca’s Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) McCarthy family members attended the unveiling of a commemorative display featuring Dan and Pat McCarthy Friday at the former Olean Business Institute Building. From left are Judi McCarthy, Jim McCarthy, Jean McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Marianne McCarthy, John McCarthy, Dan McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy.

Display commemorating OBI directors unveiled Friday

April 28, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The McCarthy family operated Olean Business Institute for 52 years

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Legislature approves mosquito spraying funds

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers raced through a 28-resolution agenda on

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Members of the Seneca Nation joined the environmental group Defend Ohi:Yo’ in protesting the City of Olean’s sewage overflows into the Allegheny River on Tuesday. Many later attended the Olean Common Council meeting to press the issue.

Defend Ohi:Yo’ demonstrates for end of sewage overflows

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Defend Ohi:Yo’, the environmental group dedicated to cleaning up the

City of Olean

Common Council approves bond for $2.1 million Marcus Park project

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council voted 6-1 to approve a $2.1 million bond