December 16, 2008

WROBLEWSKI STANDS FIRM ON HOLDING THE LINE ON TAXES

The public is well aware that the Erie County Legislature and County Executive have a difference of opinion on the 2009 Erie County Budget, to the tune of $14 million that legislators prefer to remain in the pockets of our senior citizens, families, small businesses and all taxpayers in-between. I don't claim to be an economist, but I intuitively know that the way out of a recession can't possibly begin with a tax increase.

For this reason, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in approving a budget with ample spending cuts to render the property tax increase proposed by the County Executive unnecessary.

Legislators are concerned about the economy and what our citizens and businesses are enduring. For this overarching reason, we want to keep an additional $14 million - the amount in contention between the executive and legislative branch of county government - circulating in the private sector to spur business and boost our local economy. On Tuesday, December 16, Governor David A. Paterson unveiled his tentative 2009-10 State Budget, containing substantial spending cuts and tax increases. We still believe we are right in holding the line on county property taxes.

We recognize the dire financial condition of New York State. At this moment, we are reviewing the proposed cuts Governor Paterson has recommended to close both this year's and next year's deficit, and assessing the impact on Erie County. Extreme vigilance will be required that our own balanced budget projections are realized all through 2009. During our budget process, we demonstrated our commitment to continuing annual, mid-year budget hearings by reinstating the Budget Accountability Act that County Legislature Democrats began last year. It is critical that we obtain timely budget monitoring reports from the executive department, and make changes when necessary to keep the county budget in balance.

In these challenging times, how were we able to hold the line on county property taxes? We eliminated the executive's proposed tax rate increase by achieving the necessary savings in the county budget to do so. Our work was responsible and consistent with recommendations offered by the County's Fiscal Stability Authority and certain sections of the comptroller's report.

Our next legislative action will take place in a special session to set the levy prior to the executive branch issuing the tax bills. The Legislature will do everything in its power to ensure that property tax rates are consistent with the lean 2009 budget as adopted by the County Legislature. We will try to convince the county executive that the sluggish local economy demands that we leave as much money in the hands of the people to spend as they, not we, see fit.

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