The Erie County Legislature has officially approved the 2025 budget, which features a reduction in property tax as well as investments in libraries, parks, public safety and tourism promotion among other areas.
The budget lowers Erie County’s property tax rate for the seventh consecutive year, from $3.39 for 2024 down to $3.28 for 2025, marking a $0.11 reduction, the lowest-ever rate in Erie County history.
The budget also includes $116 million for capital projects, such as $2.6 million for park enhancements, $4.5 million for roof repairs and other maintenance at the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library and $15 million for public safety initiatives, including replacing the CPS dispatch system and a new sheriff’s helicopter.
“The Urban Initiative fund was created a few years ago to ensure that the three cities of Erie County were getting their fair share of resources. Since then, that fund has grown to $2.4 million for the residents of Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Tonawanda,” said Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin. “The 2025 Budget underscores our commitment to serving the needs of every Erie County resident while being fiscally responsible over taxpayer dollars, and through bipartisanship and careful collaboration with the administration, this budget reflects the values and priorities of our community.”
In a statement, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz lauded the passing of the budget, which he calls a "responsible and balanced plan:"
“Crafting the Budget each year is a months-long process involving numerous departments and partners in government working to reach a final document that invests wisely in Erie County, addressing today’s issues while planning for the future. The Adopted Budget for 2025 is a responsible, balanced plan that once again reduces property taxes while investing in the programs and services that Erie County residents expect, such as public safety, parks and libraries. I thank Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin and Majority Leader Tim Meyers, along with Minority Leader John Mills, for supporting these investments in our community and for their leadership and partnership in reaching this successful conclusion. Together we are getting work done for the people of Erie County and building a community we can all be proud of.”
The approved budget will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.