×

Tax Exemptions For City Homeowners Approved

MAYVILLE — Hopeful homeowners in Jamestown could have certain taxes taken off their list of worries after a new local law was passed by the Chautauqua County Legislature on Wednesday in Mayville.

Legislators, in an afternoon session, approved a measure regarding tax exemptions for some owner-occupied properties in the city of Jamestown. The law encourages renovation work on single family or two family properties that are vacant, condemned or have a state of violation where the cost of remedying the violations exceeds the value of the property.

Legislator George Borrello, R-Irving, said the legislation developed due to local state lawmakers working with the state government.

Borrello said he would like to see the law expanded to other areas, but for the time being, the city of Jamestown meets the qualifications to have the law.

“It’s basically a pilot agreement for individuals,” Borrello said.

The exemption is as follows: for years one through three, 100 percent of exemption base; for years four and five, 80 of exemption base; for years six and seven, 60 percent of exemption base; for years eight and nine, 40 percent of exemption base; and for years 10 and 11, 20 percent of exemption base.

In other news, a resolution regarding the Interim Service FBO — fixed-based operator — service for the Dunkirk airport was also approved during the afternoon session. The resolution allows the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation to provide services at the airport from Nov. 1 until July 31, 2018.

The development corporation is a nonprofit group meant to aid and promote the economic development of the county and lessen the burdens of government. The CREDC would only operate the services until another fixed-based operator is selected.

While legislator Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia, approved the resolution in committee last week, he did not approve it during Wednesday’s meeting.

“I do understand the importance of having the Interim FBO so the county does not lose money during this time,” Scudder said. “I’m hoping my ‘no’ will help spark some thought as to whether we need to continue or can continue business as usual with the Dunkirk Airport. Apparently, it’s not working with the set up we have, so unless there are some major changes, I’m going to vote ‘no.'”

Scudder said he was voting with the confidence that the resolution would pass, which it did.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today