April is an important month in Erie County government. We reached agreement on a borrowing plan that will save taxpayers millions. We will soon be moving forward on the new stadium agreement. The document of that agreement is now before us at the Legislature.
I was not initially in favor of a capital borrowing plan for this year. We recognized that Erie County had a huge budget surplus, and we could pay for many of the projects in cash, avoiding hefty interest payments. Over the past three years more than $60 million in approved projects, paid for with both cash and bonded funds, were either not completed or not yet started. We knew we could do better for taxpayers. In addition, in negotiations with the County Executive and colleagues, Erie County will pay another $25 million in cash on the Buffalo Bills stadium deal. It’s estimated taxpayers will save more than $16 million in interest payments over the life of those bonds. Another $9.5 million in budget surplus will go to pay down debt obligations on the current stadium. Finally, by utilizing available cash surplus in appropriating $125 million of Erie County’s $250 million obligation for the new stadium, taxpayers will save more than $80 million over the life of the loan.
In our agreement reached with the Administration, we ensured that $1.1 million in funding for community and neighborhood programs and development will be distributed evenly throughout the eleven legislative districts. It is good government to address the needs of our different communities based on their individual challenges.
The Legislature passed a resolution that the Administration is required to provide monthly updates on the status of capital projects. I hope this will provide more transparency and ensure projects are completed and bonded money utilized before the Legislature is asked to borrow in future bonding resolutions.
The Erie County Executive presented his State of the County address last week. More vetting will need to be done on some of the ideas. I’m always willing to listen, and I look forward to hearing how the Administration plans to execute some of those plans and if they are worth pursuing.
I hope you and your families have been able to utilize the inclusive playground at Chestnut Ridge Park. I’m pleased that two more inclusive playgrounds at Erie County’s heritage parks have been unveiled, and two more will also be opening. The Republican Caucus recognized the need for these playgrounds in 2021 and requested that budget surplus dollars be used to build them. No child should ever feel left out because of different abilities.
A reminder that Graycliff is offering guided tours to all Erie County residents for half the price through the month of April. If you have never been to this Frank Lloyd Wright gem, the once summer home of the Darwin Martin family, you should check it out.
As always, if you have a county issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 7216-858-8850 or by email John.Mills@erie.gov
