Cheektowaga Town Council discusses Polish festival funding and appoints new town assessor

Cheektowaga Town Board has approved funding for the Polish Festival, despite concerns over financial transparency and sustainability. During the meeting on June 24, 2025, board members discussed the allocation of funds from the town's reserves to support the festival, which has faced challenges in becoming financially independent since the Polish American Congress took over its operations.

Council members expressed the need for clearer financial reporting, including income and expenses related to the festival. One member highlighted that while the festival is a significant community event, the town should not continually dip into reserves to support it. The supervisor reassured the board that the funds being used were not new expenditures but rather savings from unspent budget lines. He emphasized the festival's importance, noting its popularity and the influx of visitors it brings to Cheektowaga.

In addition to the festival discussions, the board appointed Janine Sweet as the new town assessor, effective July 7, 2025, with an annual salary of $83,000. The board also addressed various community events, including upcoming July 4 festivities and the opening of local pools, which have been well-received by residents.

Looking ahead, the board plans to hold a public hearing on July 8 regarding regulations for short-term rentals, responding to community concerns about the impact of Airbnb and similar services in residential neighborhoods. This meeting aims to gather public input and address the growing interest in regulating such properties.

The discussions reflect the board's commitment to balancing community traditions with fiscal responsibility, as they navigate the complexities of funding popular events while ensuring transparency and accountability to residents.