CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Ellicott Town Supervisor Pat McLaughlin says he's against the annexation of the Board of Public Utilities substation on Dow Street in Falconer to Jamestown.
"Any loss in tax revenue obviously hurts," says McLaughlin, R-Ellicott.
The BPU recently passed a resolution authorizing the city to initiate the process.
"I was somewhat shocked. Anger. I would have thought the town would have received at least a courtesy call from the City of Jamestown letting us know what their intentions were," said McLaughlin.
"I would say that's a fair criticism," said David Leathers, Board of Public Utilities general manager.
Leathers says the board should have contacted the town after it approved the measure, Yet the utility still hopes the city will annex the 5.3-acre site to save ratepayer's money.
"The BPU and our electric customers will see a savings of about $160,000 a year. There will be new revenues that go to the City of Jamestown, and the Jamestown Public School system," said Leathers.
In turn, there'll be a $322,000 loss in yearly revenue to the county, town, Village of Falconer and its school district from the BPU.
"There's that awareness. Sometimes change is difficult. It's not what I would consider a win-win. We understand that and it's a process we're going to have to work through," said Leathers.
"We're not going to take this laying down. We're not going to roll over. We are not the red-headed stepchild when it comes to the City of Jamestown. I think they will find that out," said McLaughlin.
Town leaders point to the city's current financial situation as to the reason for the move. McLaughlin says the board will seek legal council and formulate a response to the city as its town meeting Feb. 6.
"I'm sorry they cannot control their own budget. This is nothing more than a solution they're trying to come up with to take care of their deficit," said McLaughlin.
City leaders could also take up the issue as early as next month.