The proposed 2010 Erie County budget was released Friday. I have begun to review the budget, making sure that every tax dollar is spent wisely and efficiently. This process will include hearings by the budget committee, to which I have been named, and a public hearing. During the budget hearing process, we will meet with the commissioners and heads of every department to evaluate how your tax dollars will be spent.

Although I have just begun budget review process, I have some observations that I would like to share with you. I am happy to report that there is no tax rate increase proposed in the budget. During these difficult times, we cannot saddle Erie County taxpayers with additional burdens. Higher taxes would be unwise and would hamper economic recovery efforts. I will resist any efforts of my colleagues to raise taxes to fund unnecessary programs which Erie County taxpayers simply cannot afford.

I am also happy to report that while many other counties and even New York State are running significant budget deficits, County Executive Collins has presented the legislature with a balanced budget. Further, it appears that Erie County will run a surplus for this year. I applaud the efforts of the administration to continue to implement private sector business practices in government which save millions of dollars for Erie County. Because of these savings, the county is able to have a balanced budget without a tax increase during a time when New York State continues to impose mandates and shift costs for its programs upon its counties. If New York State would implement some of the same practices used in Erie County, perhaps state taxpayers could benefit from a balanced budget as well as a tax decrease.

As I more thoroughly examine the budget over the next month, I look forward to working with County Executive Collins to identify additional areas where we can provide savings for Erie County taxpayers. I will pursue any fiscally sound and responsible ways to improve services and at the same time save tax dollars. Your government exists solely to serve you and I will demand that it does the best job possible.

As always, I would like to hear your thoughts on the Erie County budget. Please contact me at my District Office, located at 8180 Main Street. I can also be contacted at 631-7650 or by e-mail at raymond.walter@erie.gov.

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