Buffalo comptroller concerned about changed budget, lost revenue

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo’s fiscal watchdog is raising major concerns about the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

After the Buffalo Common Council approved an amended version of Mayor Byron Brown’s budget, Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams said she was concerned about how much money was coming to the city.

For example, in the amended budget approved late last month, licenses, fines and penalties are expected to bring in $2 million. Miller-Williams said that historically, these forms of income brought in less than $75,000.

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Council President Chris Scanlon said that while he acknowledges there is a revenue problem, council members are trying different avenues to make more money.

“All the revenue is guesswork, you know, until we actually see it go into the top three, probably the top three, the state AIM, our property taxes and the county sales tax” , Scanlon said. “We’ve introduced a slight increase in rental registration, which is going to bring in an extra million dollars. So we’re slowly working on this revenue issue, but we have to do it all together.”

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But Miller-Williams said that may not be enough and that $40.7 million in one-time revenue, like American Rescue Plan funding, will expire by the end of the year. That money, she said, is currently helping to balance the amended budget.

Fillmore District Council member Mitch Nowakowski said other areas of revenue such as sales, parking enforcement and compact tribal gaming are unstable.

“The only thing right now, as Finance Chairman, that I’m comfortable with with the revenue coming in is the taxes that are going to be paid by the residents of the city. Because it’s the only guarantee in this budget,” Nowakowski said. “I see that we’re going to face some turbulence, probably in the middle of our fiscal year and you know, I’ve spoken openly to the mayor about it and, you know, we have a difference of opinion and that’s my personal opinion .that no one will save us, Santa will not come to town and we will not get any unexpected money to balance this budget.

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Mirand: If we fail to generate revenue for the next fiscal year, where might you see reductions for next year?

Brown: Well, I’m not going to predict what we’re going to cut next year, we’re not there yet. We know there are a whole series of things we can do to generate more revenue. I spoke to New York State. I’ve made no secret that I think Buffalo needs more money from New York State.

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7 News recently asked Gov. Kathy Hochul about the city’s dire financial situation. She said the city has already received $161 million in AIM funding.

“The state has been very supportive of the city and has closely monitored its finances,” Hochul said. “We realize how important the city is, but I’m aware that they’re taking steps to change the tax rates and working with the city council on that, so let’s wait and see how that comes to fruition.”

The mayor has until Saturday June 8 to sign a finance law. Brown said he plans to approve the Common Council’s version.