The Erie County Legislature has approved the Charter Review Commission’s recommendation to address the large job vacancy issue currently impacting Erie County. This year, more than 200 county jobs were funded but left vacant at one time costing tax payers. More than forty of those jobs had been held vacant for more than a year.

“This is an issue because the budget is set based on the number of jobs and other expenses we will have to pay for throughout the year. Taxes are collected from residents to pay for these jobs and the benefits that accompany them. If jobs aren’t filled for an entire year, these are tax dollars we did not need to take away from residents,” said Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo.

The recommendation will become part of a local law that will be on the November 2016 ballot for voter approval.

If approved by voters in the fall, the change to the charter would require that all vacant positions held open for one year and a day be eliminated from the following year’s budget and the funding for those jobs returned to the general fund. A job that has remained vacant for over a year can avoid being eliminated by Legislature resolution granting an extension.

“This past year when the Majority Caucus first requested that the County Executive reduce vacant jobs he opposed the idea. What is a reasonable solution for managing our budget was initially met with roadblocks from the administration. This revision will set a policy that must be adhered to in the best interest of taxpayers and the budget,” said Legislator Edward A. Rath, III.  

“This is a common sense approach to a problem. The number of vacancies in Erie County needs to be better controlled and removing them after one year seems reasonable,” said Chairman John Mills.

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