Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. delivered his 2026 Executive Tentative Budget on Wednesday evening, outlining a proposal that cuts the property tax rate and continues investments in services, infrastructure, and long-term fiscal stability.
“For the past five years, we have continued to do more for less, and 2026 is no different,” said Wendel. “Even as the value of a dollar has declined since 2020, we keep providing the same—or in many cases, enhanced—levels of essential services without overburdening our residents.”
The $309.7 million proposed budget includes investments in public safety, infrastructure, education, economic development, and tourism, while staying under the New York State property tax cap. The plan calls for a property tax levy increase of $1.7 million, or 2 percent, which is below the current 3.4 percent inflation rate. At the same time, the proposed tax rate of $6.17 per $1,000 of assessed value is 54 cents lower than 2025. Since 2020, Wendel’s administration has reduced the tax rate from $8.46 to $6.17—a decrease of $2.29.
The budget also preserves Chautauqua County’s long-term financial stability by maintaining an 11.4 percent fund balance, consistent with the county’s financial management plan. Wendel reiterated his administration’s policy of limiting the use of fund balance to one-time expenses rather than recurring costs, a strategy he said ensures “our budgets are structurally balanced, and safeguards Chautauqua County’s long-term financial position.”
One of the biggest challenges in developing the budget continues to be unfunded state mandates, which will cost county taxpayers more than $93.2 million in 2026. A single increase of Safety Net funding next year will nearly exceed the entire increase in the county’s property tax levy. Wendel noted that “if New York State reduced this financial burden on counties, we would be able to drastically lower our tax levy.” He also commended Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor for their ongoing advocacy on behalf of Chautauqua County.
The 2026 Executive Tentative Budget proposes more than $13 million in capital projects through the Department of Public Facilities, including the treatment and maintenance of over 660 miles of county roads, six culvert and bridge rehabilitations, two bridge replacements, and two culvert replacements. It also includes over $2 million for upgrades at Jamestown Community College, more than $3 million in public safety investments for the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Emergency Services, and the expansion of the County Fly Car program to improve emergency medical response times in southern Chautauqua County.
The plan also invests in economic development and tourism. It allocates $350,000 for green field and complete streets projects and anticipates $2.39 million in occupancy tax revenue, with 40 percent dedicated to protecting local lakes and waterways and 60 percent directed toward tourism promotion. Festivals, community events, and lake conservation projects supported by the occupancy tax will continue to strengthen Chautauqua County’s economy while enriching quality of life for residents.
Additionally, Wendel announced a $500,000 Government Efficiency Fund to support local municipalities that pursue mergers, consolidations, and shared services. Unlike existing programs that reimburse costs after the fact, this fund would provide upfront financing to help municipalities reduce redundancies, streamline operations, and ultimately lower long-term property taxes.
Wendel emphasized that his administration has balanced fiscal discipline with community investment. “Our budget builds on the foundation we have established over the past five years: delivering essential services, investing in our infrastructure and communities, maintaining fiscal stability, and ensuring every taxpayer dollar is used wisely,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wendel stressed that Chautauqua County continues to chart a different path than many other New York counties. “While many counties facing population decline see higher taxes and fewer services, Chautauqua County has taken a different path,” he said. “For the fifth straight year, I am introducing a budget that reduces the burden on our residents. Through strategic economic growth and prudent budgeting, we have lowered the tax rate, kept the levy below the state-imposed cap and well under inflation, and continued to deliver essential services without increasing the costs to taxpayers.”
2026 Budget Presentation - Slides
2026 Budget Presentation - Speech Transcript
For more updates from Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, visit chautauquacountyny.gov and follow him on Facebook at @CountyExecutiveWendel.
