No municipality seems immune from tax increases. Nearly everyone who is engaged with what’s happening locally knows about the city of Dunkirk’s plans to raise the tax rate 108% next year due to its fiscal crisis, but other locations also are having troubles.

Nearby, the town of Dunkirk announced a small tax hike at a recent board meeting. It’s very minimal — about 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

In the meantime, with tax rates so low in the town it seems unthinkable a renewable energy company would be looking for a break. That’s exactly what’s happening with two solar projects expected to generate 9.8 megawatts and be located on 56.8 acres of land at 3761 East Lake Road.

Those companies went to the county Industrial Development Agency in an attempt to receive a 25-year Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement. According to Rosemarie Strandburg of the agency, the payments would be $1.3 million with a total tax exemption of $2.5 million and $900,000 in sales tax abatement.

When will Chautauqua County say enough is enough?

Renewable projects, such as solar and wind farms, bring minimal jobs once they are constructed. Additionally, these payment in lieu of tax agreements are immune to tax increases in the future — some that are desperately needed for cities and villages struggling with finances. That means those costs are passed on to the local property owner — those who already pay high school, county and municipal costs.

We think the county IDA is doing a pretty good job when it comes to bringing industry to our region. But renewable energy sites are not job drivers. Make them pay what the property owners do.