During Thursday’s session, the Erie County Legislature voted on budget balancing amendments and allocating the 2018 year-end surplus. Despite the Minority Caucus’ efforts to include funding for additional roadwork, anti-poverty initiatives, and Erie County Sheriff’s Office initiatives such as a 2-year body camera pilot program, the Majority Caucus voted to give the Albright-Knox $5 million dollars and partially fund other programs.

The Minority Caucus proposed a number of separate amendments, including: 

• $2 million for a two-year body camera program, $2 million toward fighting poverty, $1 million for Albright-Knox

• $3 million for SUNY Erie and $2 million for Albright-Knox

• $4 million for roads and infrastructure and $1 million for Albright-Knox

• $5 million to be dedicated to fund balance to be used for reducing taxes in next year’s budget

Legislator Lorigo said, “As I have said before, the budget is a moral document that allows us to set our priorities in a way that best serves the people we represent. Buffalo is the third poorest city in the country and the fourth poorest metro area.  The Erie County Legislature Majority Caucus just gave over five times more money to the Albright Knox than to poverty initiatives. Adding funding to the Albright-Knox, which already receives a large sum of money from the county along with private donors, should not be prioritized over poverty and public safety initiatives. We had an opportunity to address our priorities or give money back to taxpayers.  I am disappointed the majority of my colleagues chose to ignore those priorities.  Erie County taxpayers deserve better.”

Legislator Rath said, “Today we tried to add funding to fix our crumbling roads, strengthen our fight against poverty, and adequately fund a body camera program for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. These were all initiatives we’ve discussed funding in the Legislature over the past few months. My colleagues and I believe these initiatives would better serve the people of Erie County than giving an additional $5 million to Albright Knox.”

Legislator Dixon said, “Just months ago, legislators and residents were told by Mark Poloncarz we couldn’t provide Erie County residents with a tax cut because it would ‘blow a hole in the budget.’ Now, months later, we miraculously have a $46 million surplus. People want lower taxes and they want their roads fixed. Any surplus should be focused on those priorities. The administration either completely mismanaged their budget, or we were all misled.”

Legislator Mills said, “One of the issues I regularly meet with my constituents about is the terrible condition of our roads. Today, my colleagues and I proposed adding money to fix our poorly-maintained infrastructure. Public safety should be a top priority, and it is unfortunate that the majority of legislators and the County Executive do not agree.”