Annual funds generated through a hypothetical lake district or lake authority would be spent specifically on maintenance of the lake. During past meetings, the idea of a tiered system for property owners to pay a certain amount per thousand based on where they are located in the lake’s watershed was discussed. McLaughlin spoke at Wednesday’s meeting and said that he believes that all county residents are benefiting from the lake, at least indirectly through revenue generated from it that keeps property taxes lower than they would be otherwise.

“I think we have to include the county in the responsibility since they’re getting the reward,” McLaughlin said.

Chautauqua County Attorney Stephen Abdella said that if a lake authority is created, the state legislature would have to approve of such a self-governing body. With the goal in mind to have dedicated funding for the lake, McLaughlin also brought up the idea of forming an authority instead of a lake district because an authority’s influence wouldn’t be dictated by the county legislature.

“If we’re going to call it the jewel of the county,” McLaughlin said, “let’s make sure it’s the jewel of the county.”

Chautauqua Town Supervisor Don Emhardt speaks at the head of the table during a meeting of the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency. From left, Lakewood Trustee Ellen Barnes, Bemus Point Mayor Bryan Dahlberg, Ellicott Supervisor Patrick McLaughlin and Chautauqua County Legislator Pierre Chagnon are also members of the agency. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

He discussed how those who live in the north county might benefit from the lake just as much as those who live close to the shore, depending on how much county residents use the lake or spend money in the area.

Other CLPRA members, including North Harmony board member Louise Ortman and Lakewood Trustee Ellen Barnes, shared that, along with McLaughlin, their communities have contacted them and said lakeside residents don’t want to be the only ones paying the “long dollar,” as McLaughlin put it.

Celoron residents Mike and Peggy Newell also pointed out that dedicated funding being mandatory through some sort of tax would address the problems of equity around the lake. The Newells said they donate to different lake organizations every year, but also said they know of some Burtis Bay neighbors who do not donate for lake maintenance, and for the Newells, weeds end up drifting in their shore area anyway.

Lakewood resident Sharon Witchey further promoted an idea shared by Barnes that sales tax money could be collected around the lake in order to fund a potential district. Witchey said that sales tax would be a more representative way of taxing people who get benefits out of using the lake or doing business around it.

The final solution could be a mix of property tax and sales tax options, and the CLPRA is still in its infancy regarding what the members will plan to accomplish. A vision and mission statement were nailed down, but that only allows for more possible solutions to come.

“‘The mission of the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency is to form a lake protection and rehabilitation district to raise dedicated funds for the purpose of rehabilitation and maintenance of Chautauqua Lake and its watershed,'” County Legislator Pierre Chagnon read the CLPRA’s mission statement prepared by Don McCord, director of planning and community development.

“‘When formed, the district will operate in an open and transparent manner, which encourages collaboration and consensus on the lake and watershed issues and results in actions that are in the interests of all lake stakeholders.'”

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