NOVEMBER 16, 2007

LEGISLATURE WORKING ON 2008 COUNTY BUDGET

Voters elected a new Erie County Executive and returned a 12-3 Democratic majority to the Erie County Legislature with the message of working together to continue improving the financial health of Erie County. A business-like approach to solving the challenges of local government and assisting in the community's economic growth are sought by the electorate we serve.

As chair, I congratulate and offered County Executive-elect Christopher Collins to have input in the 2008 budget proposal submitted by the current County Executive. As the county executive starting January 1, 2008, Mr. Collins certainly deserves the opportunity to suggest changes that he will administer and implement. Additionally, the more than $1 billion operation budget, which is about 88% mandated, the capital spending plan, and the county's four-year plan requires approval of the state-created Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority.

The County Legislature, through hearings held by the Finance, Management and Budget Committee, continues its 2008 budget deliberations. We are working with our partners to provide taxpayers with the best delivery of services within the confines of the budget. Legislators have been questioning department heads and other officials to ensure efficient operations and to discover where additional economizing can be accomplished.

There are revenue concerns the Legislature needs to address, including the amount and priorities for the 2008 capital projects. Currently and significantly, given the control board's demands for conducting the 2007 borrowing on behalf of the county, revenue estimates from the pending tax lien sale remain undetermined. Earlier this year, the Legislature conducted its due diligence by approving the tax lien sale and the capital spending, with the preference of County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz conducting the borrowing on behalf of Erie County. The Control Board did not approve his request and decisions remain on which entity will conduct borrowing, as well as the outcome of the tax lien sale. Other pressure points include ECMC costs, union contract negotiations, personnel levels, and the revenue-sharing component of the sales tax.

Since the budget is a planning document that is amended throughout the year, other issues that will impact 2008 include, community economic development projects, road and bridge funding, the results of the state Berger Commission's on the hospital, the community college's future, waterfront development, election systems modernization, and charter required performance-based budgeting and fund balance amounts.

The public hearing on the County Executive's 2008 budget plan will be held at the Legislature November 20 at 5 p.m. on the 4th floor of 92 Franklin Street. The Finance Committee, led by Legislator Robert Reynolds, then meets for any amendments to the county budget before sending to the full Legislature for a vote.

On behalf of the Legislature, we are each honored to be elected to represent our district. We will work diligently for the community and the county. As the voters indicated, working together is in the best interest to bring about progress and success. The budget is online at erie.gov, or by contacting your representative.

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