The Erie County Legislature has made changes to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz’s 2026 proposed budget.
One item axed from the budget was $20 million to start the design and engineering process for a new county jail.
The idea is for a new $430 million jail and holding center in Alden. Erie County Sheriff John Garcia says $54 million in immediate upgrades and repairs are now needed at facilities across the county.
Members of the Legislature say property taxes would have likely gone up if they approved the $20 million to be spent on that process.
“It’s a conservative plan,” said Tim Meyers, (D) Erie County legislator. “We don’t know what sales tax and everything will be. These numbers change all year long, we’re just trying to get ourselves in the best spot as we can.”
The Erie County Legislature will vote on whether or not to approve the budget on Thursday.