ALBION — Orleans County legislators moved one step closer to finalizing the 2025 fiscal plan this week, presenting a budget that Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch says features the lowest tax rate in at least two decades. During a public hearing held Tuesday afternoon, Legislature Chair Lynne Johnson and Welch unveiled the county’s tentative spending plan for the coming year. The proposed tax rate of 7.91 marks a significant milestone for the county, representing the lowest rate taxpayers have seen in roughly 20 years, according to comments made during the session. The hearing, held at 4:00 p.m. in the legislative chambers, was attended by legislators William Eick, Edward Morgan, Donald Allport, Katherine Bogan, John Welch, Lynne Johnson, Lisa Stenshorn, Kimberly DeFrank, John Fitzak, and Fred Miller. In her opening remarks, Johnson acknowledged the economic pressure facing residents in the county of roughly 42,000 people. "We are currently living in a time where every nickel matters... where budgets, be it that of a family, a small business or a local government – are stretched thin," Johnson said. "While national statistics may tell us inflation is leveling off, we certainly have not felt any relief." Johnson credited the collaborative work of Welch and County Treasurer Kim DeFrank for crafting a budget that satisfies the Legislature’s goal to remain under the state property tax cap while maintaining essential services. "So much of our county budget is driven by state mandates beyond our control, and somehow, Jack and Kim have not only found a way to make it work but have proposed a budget with the lowest tax rate in recent memory," Johnson stated. CAO John Welch then presented the technical details of the budget to the board and the public. While the low tax rate was a highlight for the board, the hearing also provided a platform for residents to voice concerns regarding the county’s long-term financial reliance on the state. Charles Hartway, a property owner in Shelby and Ridgeway, addressed the legislature regarding the restrictive nature of state funding and mandates. Hartway inquired whether an analysis had ever been conducted regarding the possibility of forgoing state funds to exempt the county from following state mandates. Legislator Donald Allport responded to Hartway’s inquiry, citing historical legal precedents. Allport explained that over the years, multiple counties have filed lawsuits attempting to withhold services or refuse payment for state-mandated programs. "In every case, the state court system has sided with Albany claiming, that Albany created the local governments," Allport said. "That makes us children of the parent. In New York State you are not allowed to sue the parent... We are obligated by state law court cases to provide these services." Hartway pushed back slightly, suggesting that the only power the state holds is the withholding of funds. He theorized that if the county could become self-sufficient, it could spark a "cascade" effect among upstate counties to push back against Albany, referencing perceived underrepresentation in recent elections. Legislator Allport noted that while the county could choose not to comply, the legal history strongly favors the state government in such disputes. Following the exchange, no additional members of the public or virtual attendees came forward to speak. Chairman Johnson officially closed the public hearing at 4:23 p.m. The legislature is expected to adopt the budget at a special meeting later this month, having set the procedural dates for the adoption during a previous session on October 22. The 2025 budget aims to maintain fiscal prudence despite the rising costs of goods and services that continue to impact rural Orleans County.