Horrigan delivers his first State of the County address

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan delivered his first "State of the County" message and covered a litany of issues and concerns during the 26 minute speech. In re-counting a number of past successes, Horrigan included the re-powering of the NRG plant in Dunkirk and the effort to reduce county government costs.  Among his chief concerns, the closing of the Carriage House plants in the North County.  Horrigan says they are "aggressively" trying to find a new employer.

Horrigan-Will meet with interested processor

Another concern is a projected funding gap that could total nearly $7.5 million. In order to hold the line on property taxes, Horrigan is eyeing an effort to raise the county's sales tax to 8 percent in 2016.

Horrigan-Eyeing higher sales tax

In the future, Horrigan wants to retain and grow jobs and grow a regional demand for the county as a year-round destination.  Those plans include putting pressure on the State DOT to add passing lanes to Route 60 to enhance safety and grow economic development.  

County Executive Vince Horrigan