Councilman Doug Scotchmer, D-Ward 4 and chair of the finance committee, reported to the council at the work session on Monday on a property transfer, taxes and other finance committee items that were discussed. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

A home on Dearing Avenue is likely to be transferred to the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency as part of the city’ 19A property rehabilitation program.

Councilman Doug Scotchmer, D-Ward 4 and chair of the finance committee, reported to the council that a resolution for the property transfer of 17 Dearing Avenue from the city to JURA was approved by the committee.

“This is an older home that seems to be in pretty good shape and would be a good candidate for the 19A program,” Scotchmer said. “So, it’s being transferred to JURA so that it can be targeted for that.”

Other items that came up at the council’s Finance Committee included a report from the city comptroller, Erika Thomas, that over 78% of taxes have been collected so far for this year. This is a little bit behind where the city is normally at, Scotchmer said, with the city normally being at 80% at this time of year. That adds up to about $330,000.

Sales tax revenue is almost 21% over last year for the December report, Scotchmer added, and preparations are continuing for the 2025 audit, which includes a specific audit on city firefighters hired through the federal SAFER program. Thomas said she should have a more exact money number for sales tax later in the week. A question was raised as to when taxes had to be paid and if that deadline had come and gone.

“To be paid without penalty they were due January 31,” City Clerk, Jennifer John, said. “They go up one percent in penalty each month that they go unpaid and then March 31 is the last day for regular collection. And then they get turned over to Chautauqua County.”