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Tentative city budget calls for 6% tax hike; sewer, water rate increases

February 20, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello released a tentative $29.1 million budget for

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Funding for milling and paving Walkable Olean 3 (above) on East State Street was guaranteed Tuesday when the Olean Common Council transferred the funds from Walkable Olean 4 on South Union Street.

Paving funds moved from South Union to State Street

February 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Last fall, New York State agreed to mill and pave

(Cattaraugus County Museum) Katya Zinsli, a graduate of the Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State SUNY, led restoration efforts on the 37th Regiment Presentation Flag for the Cattaraugus County Museum.

County lawmakers glimpse past in restored Civil War flag

February 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers got a glimpse into the past

(Photo provided) Cattaraugus County Attorney Ashley Smith announced Monday that Sheriff Eric Butler (right) and former sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb have endorsed her Republican candidacy for district attorney.

Sheriff, retired sheriff endorse Smith for District Attorney: Whitcomb not concerned about Smith’s lack of experience

February 11, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — The Cattaraugus County sheriff and former sheriff

(St. Bonaventure photo) Captions: President Jeff Gingerich (left) presented Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca and First Lady Nicole Seneca with a framed print of the statement and a $1,000 donation to the Faithkeepers School. Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M., (right) read the Land Acknowledgment.

St. Bonaventure unveils Seneca Nation Land Acknowledgement at Bonnies game

February 10, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen bonds with its neighbors

(Cattaraugus County Health Department photo) More than 140 million chickens in the U.S. have been killed in the past year after the bird flu virus (H5N1) was discovered on farms. No cases have been reported in this county.

No cases of bird flu found in county chickens, cattle

February 10, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — While no cases of bird flu have been

(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