News Release

Executive Budget Message 2/7/2012

February 7, 2012

Members of the City of Olean Common Council:

It is my pleasure to present to you the proposed budget of the City of Olean for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2013. It was my goal to prepare a budget that would not put an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers. Despite ever-rising pension costs, declining state revenue, and cost of living expenditures rising, we were able to arrive at a budget that will not increase The City of Olean’s property tax. Included in the budget is a proposal to increase water and sewer rates only 1% - the first increase in the water rates in three years. What is especially important is that this was accomplished without cutting important services, in fact we hope to improve our efficiency and make our city more responsive to your needs.

The City needs to be proactive in planning for the future. In the past several years, the Office of the State Comptroller, the City Auditor, and the City’s outside financial advisors, have all addressed the need for a five year capital plan. I am happy to announce that we have completed our five year plan, and at this time we are updating it to include modifications to the current plan.

With the uncertainty of New York State, local municipalities need to find ways to be more self-sufficient. In the summer of 2011 The City invested in improvements to the William O. Smith Recreation Center. As a result, revenues have increased significantly to help offset a loss in state revenues. We have made investments to our regional airport and I feel that those airport revenues will increase in the coming years as well. We will continue to seek all sources of additional revenue.

When operating a municipality, we will always face unforeseen costs. To be prepared for these emergencies, I have included a contingency of 4.87% of operating appropriations. By doing so, we have met the New York State Comptrollers Offices’ suggested rate. In this budget, we left the amount appropriated equal to what was appropriated last year. If you recall, we used a significant portion of the contingency on much needed street repairs in 2011-12, proving that this line item is an integral part of the budget.

I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the City taxpayers for giving me the opportunity to lead this City. In the past few years, with the assistance of our department heads and dedicated employees and the cooperation our city council, we have reversed our fiscal fortunes and I am confident that this budget will allow us to continue our efforts to make Olean a better and stronger community.

Respectfully Submitted;

Linda L. Witte
Mayor