Local municipalities and schools — all too oversized for the communities they serve — should go through a Department of Government Efficiency review led by Elon Musk that is taking place on a federal level. AP photo

Affordability is becoming one of the buzzwords in politics over recent months. On Donald Trump’s second day in the Oval Office in January, he signed a presidential memorandum to deliver emergency price relief for American families and defeat the cost-of-living crisis.

His focus at the time was on U.S. energy policies. His comments noted that by becoming more reliant on renewables, American households were paying an average of $1,200 more per year in energy costs during President Joe Biden’s administration.

Trump indicated over four years, total energy costs rose by 36%, including gasoline at 41%, home energy costs at 30%, electricity bills up 29% and gas bills rising 34%. These figures came out shortly before the brustling Elon Musk started making moves with the Department of Government Efficiency. For some, that effort is a step in the right direction. Others are frightened by the potential results.

On a state level, Gov. Kathy Hochul believes this year her “top priority is tackling New York’s affordability crisis.” She too blames inflation that has “eaten away at New Yorkers’ incomes. When costs for basic necessities skyrocket, it makes putting food on the table so much more difficult. Many New Yorkers still feel the pinch. They know that every dollar counts. It adds up quickly, especially for a family with small children or for seniors on a fixed income.”

Her Republican counterparts, just this week, countered her sentiments by attacking a $259 billion budget proposal that was passed by Senate Democrats. Their plan aims at helping struggling families and businesses struggling under high taxes and rising utility and housing costs through its “Liberate New York” agenda.

Our outspoken Sen. George Borrello of Sunset Bay has a role in that chorus. “For too long, Albany’s answer to every problem has been higher taxes, more regulations, and reckless spending — driving up costs and driving people out. It’s time to change course,” he said. “Our Affordability Agenda focuses on real solutions: cutting taxes on tips and overtime pay, providing relief to small businesses, lowering utility costs, and helping first-time homebuyers. Instead of forcing New Yorkers to foot the bill for bloated budgets, we’re fighting to make it easier for families to stay, work, and build a future here. If Albany is serious about affordability, these measures should be in the final budget.”

But while Albany and Washington talk about reining in costs, you might be disappointed with the leaders who determine the local property taxes and fees. With federal COVID funding dried up, urgency grows for municipalities and schools that can no longer find a balance to hold the line on taxes and expenses.

North County Dunkirk has been a perfect storm. Watching from the outside, it is a clinic of what not to do. For years, elected officials — including the mayor and council members — never really saw city financial documents showing revenues coming in while much more in expenses were going out.

There was nothing responsible — and belt tightening is still not part of the vocabulary moving forward. This year’s budget is more than $28 million as payrolls continue to rise. An 84% property tax hike passed on to residents — rather than reducing expenses — was considered the lesser of two evils. Nothing affordable about that.

While the federal government looks at efficiencies for savings, local governments and schools are hoping to squeeze out more revenue to balance budgets. In a county that has been shrinking for years that means property taxes and fees in water and sewer rates will be a target next year.

All 18 county schools — serving only 16,641 students — are finalizing spending plans. How much efficiency could possibly be in those budgets? Ten years ago, enrollment was 19,260.

Despite those losses, buildings — especially at the smaller districts — keep getting bigger thanks to voter approval that comes with little thought but a trained reaction to select yes. Downsizing in education is a concept that is almost as popular as a common-bell schedule — keeping learning periods at similar times — for all Board of Cooperative Educational Services districts. It makes so much sense there is a continued lack of agreement on implementing it. Hence, another unaffordable model.

That takes us to Chautauqua County government, which is expanding by leaps and bounds while your neighborhood population is historically dwindling. Last year, not only did your elected legislators brazenly vote themselves a more than 60% pay increase starting in 2026, they also continue to hoard $40 million in a surplus. Yes, the tax rate went down but a majority of the property owners saw their annual bill increase because the county believes it is doing you a favor by holding on to your money.

Republicans run county government — and are consistently winning a majority of the elections on a local level. With all the state and national focus on cutting costs to constituents, where do these leaders seem to stand?

They’re often content and comfortable passing the buck. Even if it isn’t affordable to those they serve.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.