COMPTROLLER MYCHAJLIW PUBLISHES THE TAXPAYER’S CHECKBOOK
New website includes taxpayer expenses and debt obligations, as well as November Storm Expenses
(Buffalo, New York) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw unveiled a new web page on his office website that publishes county expenses and updates the public on the total debt they owe as taxpayers. The web page is prominently featured on the main page of the comptroller’s website, at www.erie.gov/comptroller, alongside the Comptroller’s other signature program; the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Tip Line.
Comptroller Mychajliw feels strongly that government runs best when the people’s business is conducted in an open, honest, and transparent manner. “This money doesn’t belong to politicians. The revenue comes from hard working taxpayers. Now it is easier for people to know exactly how government spends their money,” said Comptroller Mychajliw
“Protecting taxpayer dollars is my top priority as the County’s Chief Financial Officer. That responsibility is followed closely by the need to be candid and transparent with how those same taxpayer dollars are spent by the Administration,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.
The Administration is responsible for managing the budget and the expense of taxpayer dollars. The Comptroller’s Office is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the banking and investment accounts, paying bills, and monitoring and reporting on the management of the budget.
“Our office pays the taxpayer’s bills every Friday. Every Friday we will update the online ‘taxpayer’s checkbook’ to reflect what was spent that week,” said Mychajliw. “Additionally, we will keep a running tab of debt that politicians drive up at taxpayer expense,” Mychajliw continued.
The website currently includes all of the county’s expenses in 2014, and the first three weeks of expenses in 2015. Additionally, the website reports that taxpayers are currently responsible for $694,748,189.13 in debt. Upgrades to Ralph Wilson Stadium and significant road, sewer and bridge work account for the majority of the debt. “Costs for last November’s winter storm are starting to trickle into our office, and as they do, we will post them separately,” said Mychajliw. Currently, the Comptroller’s Office has recorded $686,559.17 for storm related expenses.