By Jillian Bannister
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority met Wednesday to review city spending. Control board members say a second quarter review projects a $2.6 million surplus for the city.
But the outlook for city schools is not as bright. Leaders say school costs are running nearly $3 million over budget. A second quarter review states that unrealistic budgeting led to an overage of 93 teachers.
The control board says this could create a current-year deficit. The board continues to encourage unions to adopt a single health insurance provider. Chief Fiscal Officer Gary Crosby says jobs could be preserved by adopting a single provider.
"As long as the district is shrinking, and we have a structural budget deficit, positions will be eliminated," Crosby said. "The question is whether we can preserve 250 positions that otherwise will have to be cut on top of the other cuts that will be needed to balance the budget."
Wednesday night, the Buffalo Board of Education voted in favor of using a single health insurance provider. School Board members cast unanimous approval. By using a single health insurance provider, the district would save more than $27 million.