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News Headlines for Thurs., Oct. 8, 2015

Teresi unveils 2016 Executive Budget proposal that gets within city's Constitutional taxing limit...

After years of having to shell out more money for insurance and pensions... and, stagnant revenues... Jamestown's day of budget "reckoning" has arrived.  That from Mayor Sam Teresi as he presented the city's 2016, $35.1-million spending plan Wednesday afternoon.  Teresi says the budget includes a 5.6-percent tax increase... which is nearly $700,000 over the state's 2-percent property tax cap.  He says it also increases the tax rate by $1.27 cents per $1,000 full value.  Teresi says there are three main drivers of the increase... the largest being escalating costs for the city's self-insurance health plan.  In recent years, he says costs for the plan have "drained" the city.  Teresi says it's the "800-pound Gorilla" in this budget, because retirees were also negotiated into the program many years ago.  He says state pension contributions, and salaries are the other culprits.  Teresi says the tax increase brings the city within $1,800 of 99.9-percent of it's Constitutional taxing limit.  The budget uses up the rest of the undesignated fund-balance... and, cuts the contingency budget by 4.4-percent to $220,000 for emergencies.  Otherwise... Teresi says revenues... including Payment in Lieu of Tax Agreements with the Board of Public Utilities... are mostly down.  Teresi says the BPU is projecting lower electric sales in the coming year.  City Council has to approve a final budget by Dec. 1.


City man arrested for allegedly running over person on westside...

A city man is jailed following an incident in which his car reportedly ran over the foot and lower leg of another person on Jamestown's westside.  City police were called to the scene of a reported motor vehicle accident in the area of 359 Fairmount Avenue just after 2 p.m. Wednesday.  Officers say their investigation found that 23 year-old Corey Reichardt had fled the scene shortly before they arrived... and, he allegedly struck the victim while driving off.  The extent of the victim's injuries were not released.  Reichardt was found nearby... and, arrested for second-degree reckless endangerment.


County Office for the Aging to host Jamestown-area Medicare Enrollment forums Thursday...

Local Seniors, their spouses and caregivers are encouraged to take part in some very important forums in the Jamestown-area to learn more about Medicare Enrollment.  The enrollment period begins on Oct. 15... and, runs until Dec. 7.  Chautauqua County Office for Office for the Aging Director Mary Ann Spanos says they are holding a number of forums... including two in the Jamestown-area today.  Spanos says her office's Medicare-certified counselors put on the programs for no charge... because they cannot charge a fee.  She says that's because they have partial federal funding.  Spanos says the first local Health Insurance Public Forum will be held in Jamestown this afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.  She says a second forum in the Jamestown-area will be held at the Heritage Ministries location in the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood from 6-to-8 this evening.  She adds that people who just turned 65 may also want to explore whether it's better to stay on their work insurance... or go on Medicare.  For more information... call the office's NY Connects number at 753-4582.


Wordelmann running for second-term as -Lkwd Mayor Re-elect-#1  6AM         10/8

The current mayor of Lakewood says he feels his work is not done... and, is asking village residents for another four-year term in office.  Republican Mayor David Wordelmann has announced he's seeking a second-term after being elected in 2011 to replace the late Tony Caprino... who passed away while in office.  Wordelmann says village government's emphasis on economic development, and bringing in jobs, has continued under his leadership.  He says he's "very proud" of his record... which includes helping 30 new business calling Lakewood "home."  Wordelmann says he's served as an elected official in Lakewood for 10 and-a-half years... the first six as a trustee.  He says he's most proud of the fact that they've been able to hold the line on taxes... and, the tax rate has actually dropped to it's lowest level in 15 years.  As for the future... Wordelmann says he wants to keep the tax levy as as low as possible... and, continue to provide the services residents expect.  He is employed by Tops Markets as a store manager.  He is on the Republican line for the Nov. 3 election.


Missing Warren Co., PA girl found, along with alleged accomplice in her disappearance, in Maine...

A Warren County, Pennsylvania runaway has been found safe and sound in the state of Maine along with the older teenaged boy who allegedly helped her.  State Police in Warren said late Wednesday that 15 year-old Reaghan Chase was found in Franklin County, Maine with 18 year-old Kyle Bedow of Grand Valley.  Troopers say Chase disappeared back on Sept. 29.  Felony warrants were issued for Bedow... who was found to be traveling with Chase.  Police say Bedow has been arrested... and, faces charges including interferance with the Custody of a Child... and, concealment of the Whereabouts of a Child.  He's being held pending extradiction to Pennsylvania.