BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — State Senator Sean Ryan, a candidate for mayor in the City of Buffalo, has introduced legislation aimed at addressing the city's significant budget deficit and preventing a potential property tax increase.
Ryan’s proposal would allow the Buffalo Control Board to issue bonds to cover the city’s budget shortfall this year and over the next four years. This legislation coincides with growing concerns from local leaders about the adequacy of the acting mayor's proposed financial measures.
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon has proposed to address a projected $50 million deficit by raising property taxes by 8%, creating a Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority, and instituting a 3% hotel bed tax. However, these proposals have drawn criticism.
Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller Williams expressed worries about the financial risks of the proposed budget.
“At the forefront it is critical that the delivery of core city services must be maintained as per the City Charter. As I have stated in the past, the City must be very cautious about relying on one-time revenues, such as proceeds from the sale of City parking ramps and the Rapp lots. This has become a recurring practice throughout the past few years and clearly poses a long-term risk to the fiscal stability of the City of Buffalo,” said Miller Williams. “Finally, I am concerned about the financial tightrope of this Recommended Budget to meet any unforeseen significant monetary circumstances, such as natural disasters, unbudgeted legal settlements, and unexpected maintenance and operations costs in the City of Buffalo”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz estimated that the budget gap could exceed $70 million, indicating that the situation might be more dire than previously acknowledged.
State Senator April Baskin emphasized the need for transparency and thorough inquiry into the current proposals.
“I'm announcing that I'm introducing legislation to allow the Buffalo Control Board to issue deficit finance bonds," said Sen. Ryan on Sunday during a press conference.
He argued that this bond option would provide necessary relief and should be passed before the city finalizes its budget process in May.
“The debt is so high, it can't be paid off in a year by city taxpayers," said Sen. Ryan.
Acting Mayor Scanlon defended his spending plan, asserting that it responsibly addresses the city’s structural deficit, enhances vital services, and strengthens the city’s long-term financial stability.
“It’s laughable that Sean Ryan would put forward such a reckless and thoughtless proposal to burden Buffalo taxpayers with even more debt. For months, he’s criticized — and actively attempted to sabotage — my responsible, forward-thinking plans as ‘gimmicks.’ Yet now, his big idea is the ultimate gimmick: borrowing tens of millions of dollars on the city credit card and leaving hardworking families to pay the interest for years to come.
The fact that Sean Ryan believes more debt is the solution shows just how dangerously out of touch he is. Buffalo needs serious, thoughtful leadership — not irresponsible, politically motivated ideas that mortgage our future. Based on his only real proposal to date, it’s clear Sean Ryan is not fit to lead Buffalo.”
