The Erie County Legislature unanimously voted to help ensure the fiscal stability of Erie County government in 2007 by requiring that departments report back to the County Legislature when certain spending levels are met at its December 14 session.

The County Legislature approved a resolution proposed by County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) and Legislature Majority Leader Maria R. Whyte (D-Buffalo) that would require all department heads to notify the Legislature in writing if the department spends more than 50 percent of any department account in the general fund before the end of the second fiscal quarter and or spends more than75 percent of any department account before the end of the third fiscal quarter.

"The County Legislature adhered to best-practice procedures for municipal budgeting and based its 2007 expenditure projections on fair and reasonable fiscal assumptions," Chair Marinelli said. "We developed a tightly balanced 2007 County budget by dedicating ourselves to fiscal constraint and oversight. We will continue this spirit of fiscal oversight and constraint in 2007 and will closely monitor the budgets of each department in county government to ensure the stability of the 2007 Erie County Budget, including through this resolution."

"Requiring all department heads to notify the County Legislature in writing if they exceed spending 50 percent of their budget before the end of the second fiscal quarter and/or 75 percent of their general fund budget by the end of the third fiscal quarter will allow the Legislature to conduct oversight over spending and identify possible areas of concern before they become problems," Legislator Whyte said. "The law applies to all elected Erie County officials, including the County Executive, Comptroller, Sheriff, District Attorney, Clerk and Legislature, as well as all appointed officials, administrative units and departments, so this is a comprehensive review and act to continue our fiscal oversight and reform."

The County Legislature is also asking Comptroller Mark Poloncarz and Budget Director James Hartman to continue working closely with Legislator Demone A. Smith, Chairman of the Finance and Management Committee, to monitor Erie County revenues and expenditures.

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