Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) announced recently that Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra has presented his 2004 Erie County Budget to the Erie County Legislature for review.

     "For 2004, I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Legislature's Budget Committee, and for the next few weeks we will hold hearings to debate and deliberate the business side of running the government for next year," said Ranzenhofer. "Crafting and reviewing the budget for Erie County is a long and tedious process, and with Committee Chairman Legislator Dale Larson, we will work to ensure that Erie County taxpayers will get the best value for their money in 2003."

     Ranzenhofer pointed out that the County Executive's 2004 Proposed Budget holds property taxes in check, continues to make major investments in public infrastructure, and cuts the size of Erie County workforce.

     "Our overall effort as Legislators is to find better, more cost-efficient ways to do business in Erie County," added Ranzenhofer. "The Proposed Budget answers that call, and I look forward to digging into it to find if there are even more opportunities for cost savings."

     Ranzenhofer stressed once again the problem of the escalating costs of State mandates such as Medicaid. Erie County's local share of Medicaid, itself, has risen by $48 million since 2000, from $127 million to $175.3 million.

     "There is a great challenge before us as we tackle the costs of State mandates in Erie County," Ranzenhofer continued. "Throughout next year, we will continue to reach out to our State officials to address the cost burden of these mandates, while at the same time working to lower our own costs through consolidation.

     An important part of the budget process, Ranzenhofer noted, is gaining input from taxpayers. He invited residents to contact his District Office at 631-8695, and to attend the Erie County 2004 Proposed Budget Public Hearing later this month. More details about the time and place of the public hearing will be forthcoming.

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