BUFFALO, N.Y. — Representatives from local arts and cultural institutions and residents with questions on spending priorities spoke Monday night about the proposed Erie County Budget Plan for 2025. That hearing took place at Old County Hall in Buffalo .
Just like past years, most of the speakers made their case to lawmakers for a share of county taxpayers' dollars.
But in a leaner budget year, there was still criticism from some over budget priorities and questions are surfacing about a new top county job in the mix.
Erie County Budget Director Mark Cornell put it this way when the 2025 spending plan -without previous federal COVID relief funding - was unveiled in October. "This budget acknowledges the reality of tighter budgets going forward."
So perhaps some more difficult spending choices, as well as various organizations, pitched county legislators who will decide on the budget.
The $1.97 billion dollar budget from County Executive Mark Poloncarz reflects a post pandemic reality in sales tax which is a major revenue source for the county beyond property taxes.
Poloncarz, a Democrat, told 2 On Your Side that, "We had to adjust it and bring the sales tax in at a lower amount. It's at a conservative amount. It's not an amount that I believe the legislature will be worried about. But it made it tougher for us to ensure that we had a balanced budget that met the needs of the community."
But Republican County Legislator Lindsay Lorigo also pointed out, "The county budget office is projecting a $20 million dollar shortfall on sales taxes this year. We are gonna have a balanced budget but it's something to look at for years to come".
So there is closer scrutiny on spending with renewed questions about overtime for the Sheriff's Office and a new more expensive Air Two helicopter in the budget. There is even talk of a new $700 million + Holding Center in future years.
Some community advocates in opposition discussing a nearly $8 million increase for the Sheriff's office in the budget. Alia Williams of the Black Love Resists in the Rust and No New Jail Coalition said, "Housing, mental health, funding youth - things that really should be invested in and things that really should be invested in over increasing investing in the sheriff's department."
But also other areas may be reviewed including the Erie County Health Department proposal under Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein to create and fund a new position just below her. It would be a "First Deputy Health Commissioner" at $150,000 in addition the pre-existing Deputy Health Commissioner at $130,000 dollars.
Lorigo said, "There's a deputy health commissioner, but we're adding a new one. And this is a $150,000 new job. So, when we're looking at tightening our belts - what we really need to look at is limiting the size of government and limiting jobs instead of adding more of these high dollar appointment positions."
There will be discussion and debate for county lawmakers with an expected December 5th budget vote.