TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009

SHERIFF, HEALTH CLINICS DOMINATE SPIRITED DISCUSSION DURING COUNTY LEGISLATURE 2010 BUDGET HEARINGS

The Erie County Legislature Finance, Management and Budget Committee held several spirited discussions and asked many pointed questions concerning the 2010 proposed budget with representatives from the Erie County Sheriff's Office, Health Department and administration during its hearings Tuesday.

"The committee asked Sheriff Timothy Howard and his aides about the $2-3 million request for 75 new positions for road patrol and staffing the Erie County Holding Center and Correctional Facility, which was rejected by the county executive," Legislator Robert B. Reynolds, Chair of the Finance, Management and Budget Committee, said. "After hearing the sheriff's rationale, the Legislature will take the matter under advisement and weigh the needs of the community, because the funds will have to come from another part of the budget."

In addition, County Attorney Cheryl Green provided the members of the committee with an update on the procedural aspects of the two lawsuits regarding the Holding Center and Correctional Facility. According to the County Attorney, oral arguments will be held in federal court Thursday, November 5, relating to the county's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and a response will be filed to the State Department of Corrections' lawsuit by October 29. Ms. Green offered to provide the members with additional information on the lawsuit in executive session, but Legislator Reynolds declined on behalf of the committee.

The administration's reasons for closing the remaining two health clinics has changed from a financial issue to a "policy decision" driven by the desire to get out of non-mandated service areas.
Legislators expressed much discomfort at this rationale, and were advised that they would need about $3 million to restore operations of the healthy clinics.

The committee schedule for Wednesday, October 28, is: 9-9:45 a.m., County Executive/Budget and Management; 9:45-10:15 a.m., County Attorney; 10:15-11:15 a.m., Environment and Planning; 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., County Clerk; 12:15-1 p.m., Convention and Visitors Bureau/Convention Center; 1- 2 p.m., Buffalo and Erie County Public Library; 2:30-3 p.m., Veterans Affairs; 3:00-3:30, Public Advocacy.

All budget hearings and presentations are open to the public and will be held in the County Legislature Chambers on the Fourth Floor of 92 Franklin Street in Buffalo.

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