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Council debates $250,000 gaming-fund match for 2026 celebration, disagrees on administration
Summary
Council discussed a proposed $249,990 gaming-fund appropriation to match a county grant program for 2026 celebrations; members disputed whether funds should be restricted to municipalities and historical societies or managed by the existing grant authority.
Council reviewed an ordinance proposing a $249,990 supplemental appropriation from the unrestricted gaming fund to support local activities tied to statewide 2026 bicentennial celebrations and to match funds committed by the local grant board.
Perry Wood, presenting draft guidelines, said the proposal would allocate roughly $225,000 for lead assets and $275,000 for smaller historical societies and community groups across Erie County. He described draft program guidelines, eligibility rules and an application and review process administered by an established grant-making organization with an online system.
Several council members pushed back on routing the funds through the county’s external committee, arguing the money should be restricted for direct distribution to municipalities and historical societies. one council member said, “I mean, we’re talking about $500,000 to throw a party basically in your accounting with taxpayer dollars,” and recommended limiting spending to local entities. Others defended using an experienced grant administrator: “The Gaming Revenue Authority has been doing just what... Charlie suggested for 20 years, and they’ve done it better than any other grant organization in town,” a council member said, arguing the authority provides transparent stewardship and has historically included municipalities among grantees.
Questions included whether the gaming fund dollars would be treated as non-taxpayer revenue (staff confirmed the appropriation would come from the gaming fund, not the general tax fund), whether local match requirements apply and whether private-sector matches would be required. Perry Wood noted the grant guidelines call for a 1:1 match, which would create opportunities for private sector participation.
Council did not finalize award restrictions; some members proposed reducing the county’s contribution (suggested cuts to $100,000 or $125,000) and discussed tabling the item for further vetting. The item was discussed at length and members indicated interest in refining guidelines and outreach to ensure broad municipal participation before final approval.
