Inexperience Adds To Growing Fiscal Mayhem (2024)

To save itself from future money problems, the Dunkirk Common Council has contracted with three outside firms.File photo

Newly elected school board members in Chautauqua County will begin to take their seats starting Monday. It is a tremendous responsibility that impacts the community’s children, a large workforce with one of the largest spending plans in the municipality it serves.

Fortunately for these individuals, there is a learning curve — so to speak — that helps guide their decision-making. Each year, the New York State School Boards Association holds its Annual Convention and Education Expo.

Buffalo was host to the last edition. It touched on topics that included school safety, student mental health, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and teacher shortages.

Organizers say the event was tailored specifically to the roles and responsibilities of school board members and other district leaders. “Our annual convention and expo event is a crucial resource for school leaders,” said NYSSBA Executive Director Robert Schneider. “This event gives them an opportunity to receive, discuss and exchange practical information about the most pressing and challenging issues in public education. Our members are able to put what they learn into action when they return to their home school districts.”

Those who serve on school boards are not compensated. Elected municipal board members, however, do receive a small paycheck monthly for their time but it is nothing that will make them wealthy.

There also is little training available for these officials unless they head east to the capital district for some New York Conference of Mayors events. Since NYCOM runs as though it were a lobbyist operation, it’s more likely to be filled with more propaganda than solutions.

In both the schools and municipalities, candidates who seek election to these positions do not need experience or know-how. All they need is a residency and votes. While that is the American way, there are growing reasons for worry over who is overseeing our abundance of schools and governments.

With two cities, 27 towns, 13 villages and 18 school districts in Chautauqua County, there are more than 400 positions decided upon by voters. As federal COVID dollars begin diminishing — through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Securities Act, also known as CARES, and the American Rescue Plan Act — more of these local representatives will be under a microscope.

Dunkirk and Jamestown are already starting to feel the heat. The two cities, which have a combined budget of $64 million, are facing financial difficulties. The north county entity is under a greater microscope since its deficit is believed to be around $18 million.

Last week, a loan referred to as a Revenue Anticipation Note of more than $16 million — as well as additional costly contracts with outside agencies and firms to help with its decision making on finances — were approved by the Common Council. It is a sad statement in more ways than one.

First, it speaks to the abysmal accounting ability of the past inside of City Hall. Second, it is a response to what one council member said in nonchalant fashion. “I don’t believe (the crisis) is nightmarish at all,” said Natalie Luczkowiak, who represents the city’s Second Ward. “We just don’t have the knowledge of how to really run a city, and hopefully, the mayor can learn from the state. I am not sure.” Bingo.

As horrific as it sounds, Luczkowiak communicated what is painfully obvious to engaged onlookers. Most who serve in local government do not “have the knowledge” or the courage to make tough decisions that ultimately impact family, friends and neighbors. They won their position in a popularity contest.

In the coming months, those maintaining these positions across the region better buy some extra aspirin. There are plenty of headaches ahead.

Earlier this month, the city of Lackawanna in Erie County began to look at next year’s spending plan. It may need to increase property taxes 23%.

Jamestown, which is already near the state constitutional tax limit, is running a deficit between $1.9 million and $3 million this year. Buffalo, the largest city in Western New York, could face a gap of $55 million next year.

School boards, even with training sessions, also will be making tough choices. Within the last month, the tiny Sherman Central School district that has an enrollment of 409 students, announced it was eliminating two positions for the upcoming year that included the director of technology and communication as well as the social worker.

These increased costs and reductions are just the beginning. Starting in September, municipal budget plans that include tax hikes could become the new normal to keep pace with inflation while also acknowledging the lack of bonus federal funds that were gifted during the pandemic.

During May’s school propositions, all 18 district budgets were approved by large margins and a small number of voters. That, in itself, is a nod from a minority in this county to continue reckless tax and spend policies.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.