NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative impact on local municipalities' budgets.
In Niagara Falls, Mayor Robert Restaino announced the city is anticipating a multi-million dollar deficit due to the pandemic. The city will be cutting out programs and will not be able to open municipal pools.
Restaino said he tried to work with labor unions on an agreement, but that was unsuccessful and there may be more cuts moving forward.
The city has set up a schedule to pave certain roads. The list could be dwindled down if the state cuts Consolidated Highway Reimbursement funding.
In addition to the budget cuts, the mayor announced the formation of a Social Justice Commission. He's called on several community leaders to address a range of concerns from healthcare to education.