BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams held a public meeting to explain her ongoing dispute with Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon over her refusal to issue bonds for capital projects, which has resulted in a lawsuit against her office.
The meeting took place at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library at Lafayette Square, where Miller-Williams broke down the role of the comptroller, the capital borrowing process and fiscal responsibility to residents.
WATCH: Buffalo comptroller defends bond refusal amid lawsuit from acting mayor
The comptroller emphasized her commitment to ensuring city dollars are spent wisely and prudently, noting that a significant portion of Buffalo's budget consists of fixed or contractual obligations.
Within the last month, credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings released a low rating for the City of Buffalo's bond ratings outlook, citing concerns over weakened financial performance and fiscal pressures.
Miller-Williams said it will increase the city's borrowing costs.
"They reduced our long-term outlook from 'stable' to 'negative,' what does that mean to each and every one of you in this room?" Miller-Williams questioned. "It means that when I do go to market to borrow, I'm going to be borrowing at a higher rate."
A resident at the meeting questioned the lack of prioritization in the city's spending approach.
"How do you just say, 'Here is $110 million and do your best at it? No priority, no numbering of it; that's irresponsible and reckless," the resident said.
Miller-Williams said she has made numerous requests for a ranked priority list that would keep the city within the $28 million cap. To date, she says no one has provided her with a revised ranked list.
The comptroller is scheduled to give an oral argument in court on September 22.
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