The Erie County Executive’s first budget of his term is due Oct. 15, 2012. As a Legislator who has experience with the budget process, I expect the County Executive to maintain the path set by his predecessor and the Legislature and continue to deliver sound, fiscal stability to Erie County.

In recent years, the County Executive and Legislature worked to create balanced budgets, providing necessary services without increasing the cost to taxpayers. This wasn’t always easy. Sometimes unpopular cuts to budget lines had to be made as the fiscal landscape in the county changed. Certain services are mandated and the county is required to fund them according to state and federal regulations. Mandates dictate a large portion of the annual budget, which can be frustrating, but there is still plenty of opportunity to control spending and adopt a budget respectful of taxpayers.

First and foremost, the county must protect the safety of county residents by properly funding the Department of Public Works to allow road and bridge repair and maintenance, as well as providing the Sheriff’s Office the necessary tools to safely patrol and respond to emergencies.

The county has been able to provide necessary services and record savings by applying major changes in how Erie County operates. The county’s workforce was reduced by 15 percent, resulting in major savings without affecting services. This was made possible, in part, by implementing improved technology, natural attrition, and utilizing programs that allow the same services be delivered with less employees. The county also transferred several non-mandated services to not-for-profit organizations. This was a win-win, as services were improved and savings accrued by the county and the government removed itself from being a competitor with private sector agencies.

Other highlights that must be continued include, reducing the county spending growth to less than 1 percent.  Last year’s budget kept spending growth at near zero percent! Out of control spending was finally reigned in after years of tax hikes and we can’t go back to that. These changes accounted for multi-million dollar budget surpluses in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, that helped us avoid tax increases. 

Through smart, business-like practices, the county saw a long-term debt reduction of more than $100 million. Not only that, but the surplus was built up to $83 million. This has allowed Erie County to pay current pension obligations in cash and on time, while every other county in New York State borrowed the money at a high interest rate to meet their obligation. When other counties kicked the can down the road, my colleagues and I made tough decisions to protect our children and grandchildren from inheriting a bill as our legacy.

I don’t want to see Erie County undo the hard work recorded the past few years. The County Executive has been quoted as saying everything remains on the table concerning the 2013 budget and that includes a tax increase. I believe that increasing the tax burden on residents is unacceptable and unnecessary. As elected officials we need to tighten the belt, hold the line on spending and apply all other options to avoid a tax increase.