BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new Erie County budget is now in place for taxpayers with a rather historic moment for county lawmakers. The $2 billion spending plan was for the first time in years unanimously approved even with some lingering questions about the property tax levy and a leadership change for the minority caucus.
In October, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said his 2023 budget proposal lowered the property tax rate to its lowest level in modern history.
But there was skepticism from the the Minority Caucus Chairman Joseph Lorigo. The Conservative lawmaker said back then, "People need real relief and the only way to provide that real relief is by lowering the levy. Not by you know smoke and mirrors."
However, Thursday the entire legislature, including that same outgoing chairman who won election as a judge, gave approval using words like "fair" and "responsible" for the spending package.
"Unfortunately the administration and the majority didn't want to reduce the levy. So we instead decided to focus on making sure that there was proper investment in our communities. The minority caucus for the past couple of years has not received community benefits funding. This year we did. We worked with the other side," Lorigo said.
"This time we really prepared and talked with the majority. There was much more open dialogue," Republican Legislator Frank Todaro said.
"The day was historic. But I think it was that the County Executive put together a budget, a fair budget that benefits all of Erie County," Democrat Legislator Howard Johnson said.
This budget provides more funding for hiring 57 new jail deputies at the request of the Sheriff's Office as many there faced forced overtime in a stressful position.
"It seemed almost inhumane because you would force somebody to stay on those additional hours. So that's a problem. You want to address it. It becomes a quality of life issue," Johnson pointed out.
The budget also provides more funding for libraries and cultural institutions and restores some county government jobs lost during the leaner pandemic year budgets.
When pressed on the property tax question with a county surplus and more state and federal funding assistance, Johnson replied "My response is that the County Executive decreased tax rates."
Again there is an ongoing debate on that point as to whether a lower tax rate or an overall lower tax levy for the total amount collected is more beneficial for property owners as assessed property values can fluctuate.
In the meantime, the minority legislature caucus of three Republicans with now a Conservative member vacancy will select a new leader for the new year perhaps with some debate there.