Collins calls for budget cuts
Erie County Executive Chris Collins says he's asked his department heads to cut twenty percent of their budget for 2011. Collins says the cuts will help fill an estimated $36 million hole in the County budget due to lower than expected sales and property tax revenue. YNN's Mark Gruba tells us why not everyone is agreeing with the timing of the County Executive's announcement.
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Buffalo, N.Y. -- We're only halfway through the year, Collins says it's better to be prepared for the worst case scenario and if it turns out better then the cuts won't have to be as steep.
"I always think, don't hide bad news," said Collins.
Collins says the recession has resulted in lower tax revenues for the County creating the hole in next year's budget. His plan is to fund all mandated programs but slash 20-percent from the discretionary parts of the budget. That would generate $40 million.
"We're just respecting taxpayers," said Collins. "Just like they have to make cuts, so are we."
County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz agrees storm clouds are brewing. Recalling the 2005 fiscal crisis, he says this time around the County is facing a new challenge.
"The issue that it's facing right now is how do you cut from an office that already is lean and efficient without substantially impacting the services that are provided," said Poloncarz.
As Comptroller, Poloncarz handles services like the County's accounting, auditing and banking needs. His department of 42 would lose 8 to 10 people.
"When the word started getting out yesterday I talked to my employees about it and some of them were visibly shaken," he said.
County Legislative chair Barbara Miller-Williams said it is too early for County employees to worry about losing their jobs. Miller-Williams points out the Collins budget isn't due until October. She's confident the County will have options other than layoffs to fill its financial hole. Collins says raising taxes can't be the answer.
"I report to the taxpayers of Erie County who have said loud and clear do not increase my property taxes," he said.
Collins noted, unlike the Federal Government, Erie County can't print money to solve its problems. Leaders will have to make tough choices going forward.