In his 2026 State of the County address, County Executive PJ Wendel underscored a results-driven approach to governance, highlighting disciplined financial management, strategic investments, and a commitment to building a more efficient, responsive county government focused on long-term prosperity.
“It is a privilege to stand before you and deliver a message of strength, resilience, and accomplishments of our county,” Wendel said. “Over the past year, we have made real measurable progress and today, I will highlight what we have accomplished, and lay out a clear vision for building a stronger, more prosperous future.”
Wendel reported broad economic momentum across key indicators and a steady rise in household prosperity.
“In Chautauqua County, the economy is not just improving — it is getting stronger,” he said, noting five‑year GDP growth of 29 percent, rising median household income, and declining poverty rates. He credited disciplined fiscal management and targeted investments that “deliver greater value while carefully managing rising costs.”
The County’s infrastructure agenda advanced on multiple fronts, with shovel‑ready sites at Mason Industrial Park and the I‑90 Veterans Memorial Commerce Park moving toward completion, and FastNY pre‑development funding secured for the 657‑acre Eagle Bay site in Sheridan. Highway and bridge work will exceed $13 million in 2026, and high‑speed broadband expansion is set to reach 3,500+ new locations countywide, alongside ongoing fiber deployment in Dunkirk and Sheridan.
Wendel called the final phase of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District a “historic milestone—one that will improve water quality, strengthen property values, support economic development, and protect the long‑term health of our lake communities.”
Economic development continued with CCIDA‑assisted projects and employer expansions, while Choose CHQ and Live CHQ marketing drew more than 110,000 visitors in 2025, 90 percent from outside the county, including national placement on public television. Tourism initiatives expanded, and the County is pursuing commercial air service at the Jamestown Airport, supported by terminal upgrades and new amenities.
Public safety and human services saw meaningful gains. The County expanded the Fly Car ambulance service to better serve the southwestern region, advanced prevention and re‑entry programs through the Chautauqua CARES initiative, and earned national accreditation for the Chautauqua County Jail Health Team. Mobile health clinics reached underserved areas, early‑intervention services grew for children and families, the County laid the groundwork for a Lead Rental Registry, and new senior ride services are being implemented to close transportation gaps.
The 2026 budget totals $309.7 million and continues to deliver tax relief, with a county tax rate of $6.17 per $1,000, down $0.54 year‑over‑year and $2.29 since Wendel took office. Assessed property value climbed to $12.15 billion, while sales tax sharing with local municipalities exceeds $40 million—more than 41% of collections.
“Our job is clear: deliver the services our residents depend on while protecting taxpayers and fighting for Chautauqua County every step of the way,” Wendel said.
To strengthen government efficiency, the Government Reduction Initiative—unanimously approved in 2025—now supports shared services, departmental consolidations, and special taxing districts with upfront funding, including projects such as a shared multi‑municipality dog shelter, a feasibility study on a potential Clymer–Sherman–Panama school district merger, and a North County shared services and consolidation analysis.
“Contrary to what some of you may have heard, these efforts are locally driven,” Wendel noted. “The County is not mandating any of these initiatives; they are all voluntary, led and supported by our municipal partners.”
Wendel closed with a call to keep pressing forward: “We have proven that progress is possible. We’ve cut taxes. We’ve grown our economy—we currently are the 9th fastest‑growing county economy in New York State. We will continue to fight for our taxpayers. And we will continue to build a county where opportunity is not just promised—but delivered.”
Hosted in partnership with the CHQ Chamber, this year’s event represented a unique opportunity to expand public engagement by bringing the State of the County directly to the community. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown, the program included a moderated question‑and‑answer session led by Chamber President and CEO Daniel Heitzenrater.
• Watch the full presentation and Q&A on YouTube
• Read the full speech transcript
• View the PowerPoint presentation
