By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County lawmakers say they probably won't get a break this summer. And they may still have trouble getting all the work done before their deadlines.
Tue3sday's Finance and Management committee meeting ended without action on fifty-six million dollars of proposed capital projects. They say the list, which includes everything from road repair to library books, must be pared down.
But the County Executive has yet to remove any items. And even Harry Potter's magic might not help.
The highly anticipated sixth volume in the series is due out Saturday. But Library System Director Michael Mahaney says, without five point six million dollars for new materials, their plans disappear.
"We've been hopeful that the legislature was going to appropriate these funds so that we could continue buying library materials, and also institute a sort of a two-year, right sizing plan for the library system," said Mahaney.
"Allowing us to buy materials would allow us to continue doing basic operations. But we were going to use these funds as transition funding to bridge 2005 through 2006 as we down size the library system, and bring the capital monies that we can't get right now, back into the operating budget."
But lawmakers say borrowing any money right now for capital projects is questionable.
The county comptroller and budget director could offer guidance. They return Wednesday from New York City where they secured an eighty million dollar short term loan for payroll.
The incoming control board could also have something to say. They must approve a four year-plan that will outline all borrowing and spending.
But Democratic Majority Leader Lynn Marinelli says with few details on the control board, much is still in limbo.
"So, if we have to get to New York State and its control board, by October first, a four-year plan, this isn't one of those like when you're back in school and you can hold off on the term paper until the night before or until the week of," said Marinelli. "We have to start working immediately, which is why I don't really believe we're going to have a summer recess."
This Thursday was to be the legislature's last session until fall. However, special sessions are already being penciled in.