The month began with a once-in-a-generation vote in the Legislature as we approved the new Bills stadium agreement that allows construction to begin. By re-working the county’s commitment to the agreement, we were able to pay more in cash of the county’s $250 million financial commitment. In so doing, taxpayers are saving at least $80 million in interest. With the state taking ownership of the new stadium, New York State and the Buffalo Bills will be obligated to take care of future repairs and upkeep, taking Erie County out of that sometimes-costly responsibility.
I was glad we passed the property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. While this is a start, we need to continue to look for ways we can both express our gratitude to our volunteers for the work they do, while helping them to recruit and retain members. Another way to help our volunteer first responders is by having paid ambulance service as backup for when our volunteers can’t answer the call. I did vote in favor of funding for such a service. However, I thought it was imperative to have proper dialogue with all stakeholders at the table to determine how best to proceed.
The recently passed New York State budget contains elements that will be very harmful to local communities. New York continues to outpace every other state in Medicaid spending. That unfunded mandate is then passed down to counties. Historically, the federal government provides financial assistance to local governments to help fund the local share. Now, the Governor is holding on to that federal assistance, which means a loss in revenue of at least $26.6 million, and possibly as much as $41 million this year. That is a huge gap in our budget and comes nearly five months in to our fiscal year. New York already has a massive budget surplus. This is unacceptable.
Overspending is an issue in this state and region. So is being overtaxed. We had a $96 million surplus in Erie County once books closed in April. If we have that much more than we need to operate county government, then you are being taxed too much. Having a healthy reserve is the responsible thing to do. But $96 million more is not sound fiscal practice, especially as we fight to keep people living, working, and setting up businesses here.
There are many great organizations that do important work in our communities. I was happy to secure funding for many of them. These are groups that support small business, our youth, public safety, and those in great need; among those organizations; The Foster Closet of WNY helps give children a fresh start, and Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue helps our four-legged friends find their forever home.
We have also extended Erie County’s storefront revitalization program to help small business. By restoring and renewing their facades, we are investing in the aesthetics of our communities, as well.
It continues to be my honor to serve you. My office can be reached by phone at (716)-858-8676, or by email, Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
