Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says his proposed budget maintains and enhances the county's quality-of-life services and programs.
Poloncarz says the budget, which he unveiled Wednesday morning, includes more than $38 million for roads and a $450,000 increase for libraries. But he says the county's property tax rate will not be increasing.
"It will be staying the same, the same rate that it has been since 2009. It is one of the lowest county property tax rates in the entire state. Actually, Erie County residents are paying less in property taxes in 2014 and 2015 than they did in the early 90s," Poloncarz said.
Overall spending is up by nearly $40 million, which Poloncarz says is due to mandates.
County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw blasted the increase saying its a sign more people are unemployed and on welfare. Mychajliw also faulted Poloncarz for not cutting taxes.