The Erie County Legislature’s most important function is to be the County’s fiscal watchdog. When the County Executive sends over his proposed budget, it is our job to peruse through the spending plan and determine if all the expenditures are necessary, if responsible cuts can be made, and ultimately, to protect the taxpayers. Recently, Mark Poloncarz predicted future county budgets of ‘dead flowers and arsenic.’ That left me wondering why, then, he decided to propose a budget that increased spending even more. If he was that concerned, wouldn’t he think it wise to reduce the size of the budget, particularly in a region that is not growing in population? To be clear, Erie County spending under this Administration has increased by a whopping $704 million since 2021. That is not sustainable. My Republican colleagues and I worked to provide amendments that would reduce spending. It was the responsible thing to do. Our amendments actually cut property taxes, provided relief at the pumps and stopped the growth of Erie County government. Unfortunately, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle rejected our efforts, and as a result, the Erie County budget continues to grow.
I firmly believe that we must respect taxpayers. They already carry a very heavy burden. We don’t want to see a repeat of the red-green budget crisis from around 2004 where Erie County had to close libraries, highway barns and parks. But if spending continues at this pace, we are headed down a very dangerous road. The Legislature provides the checks and balances for the Administration. We should not be relinquishing financial oversight. Republican lawmakers fought hard to maintain tight fiscal control and do what’s best for the people we serve.
We must also implement a hiring freeze, reduce overtime costs and out-of-area travel. Our amendments included these proposals, but again the Democrat majority opted to continue growing Erie County government. A future County Executive will be left to clean up the fiscal mess that has resulted in ballooning budgets and spending since 2012.
Mark Poloncarz also wants to give SUNY Erie the proceeds from the sale of the ECC South Campus. That property belongs to Erie County, and ultimately Erie County taxpayers. Proceeds should be returned to them, and the land properly developed in accordance with a vision for the new stadium as a true destination.
The holiday season is upon us. I hope that you are able to spend this special time of year with loved ones. Look out for your neighbors and make sure no one is alone this time of year. If you have a county related issue, contact my office at (716) 681-2071 or by email Frank.Todaro@erie.gov I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.
