Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel joins News Director Terry Frank this week to discuss several issues... mainly regarding his budget presentation coming up Sept. 24. Wendel says the 2026 spending plan is pretty much set to go, but, they are also waiting to hear about a state meeting with local Social Service Directors about where the state is going for 2026... and, 2027. He says Medicaid funding, with cuts expected from the federal government, will be going down the next couple of years... as recipients not deemed to be eligible, are cut from the program. Wendel says there's also concern about reductions to the Home Energy Assistance Program -- otherwise known as HEAP. We also discuss the approval of three smaller contracts in the Sheriff's Dept., which means all of the county's employee contracts are set for the coming year, and beyond. He also addresses a concern from one lawmaker that the legislature should have been able to learn more about the contracts in closed session before the vote. He says they can get the additional information by talking with his administration. We also discuss the impact of the closing of another skilled nursing and rehab facility with Absolut of Westfield confirming it's closing it's doors on or about Oct. 31. We also discuss improved conditions on Chautauqua Lake with stepped up weed harvesting and other steps being taken.
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