In my last column, I discussed the upcoming budget hearings, which have since been canceled—a failure of the Legislature’s leadership. Our main chartered duty as Erie County legislators is to oversee the budget, and failing to hold mid-year hearings is a dereliction of that duty.
With a projected $22.5 million sales tax shortfall for 2024, we face tough financial decisions for 2025. Mid-year hearings would have provided critical insights into how departments are managing their budgets and where cuts might be necessary. For years, these hearings have offered detailed reports from commissioners and department heads. Unfortunately, leadership decided that a brief overview from the budget director and Comptroller Kevin Hardwick would suffice. It did not.
In response, I requested more in-depth hearings to understand how our tax dollars are being spent and what adjustments are needed. I was eager to speak with department heads to learn if they were staying within budget and where shortfalls might occur. These discussions would have allowed us to ask Comptroller Hardwick and Budget Director Mark Cornell where cuts could be made to improve efficiency in 2025.
However, six weeks after our request, County Executive Mark Poloncarz sent a letter saying his commissioners and department heads would not be available. This is deeply concerning, especially given the size of the county budget, which has doubled under Poloncarz’s leadership. The Legislature’s failure to hold these hearings, combined with the administration’s unwillingness to cooperate, is troubling. Our most important responsibility is to manage county finances, and not being given the chance to do so is frustrating. It’s time to rein in spending and restore fiscal responsibility.
Beyond budget concerns, there is an important issue on the ballot this November. I urge you to vote against a local law that would strip Erie County residents of their right to approve sales tax extensions through a public referendum. Currently, a supermajority vote is required to extend the sales tax, ensuring all communities have a voice. The proposed change would allow a simple majority vote, making it easier for the Legislature to extend or raise taxes without public input.
This shift would undermine critical checks on government spending. In the 1970s, Democrats pushed for the supermajority vote to prevent unilateral tax decisions, and Republicans agreed it was necessary to protect taxpayers. Reverting to a simple majority would silence voters and give too much power to the County Executive. We must preserve the current system and ensure that the public continues to have a say in how tax dollars are managed.
On a brighter note, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several community organizations this month, including the SPCA and Bread of Life Outreach Center. It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done to serve our community.
If you have any county-related concerns or need assistance, please contact my office at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov or by phone at 716-858-8922.
Legislator Lorigo September 2024 Bee column
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