By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Erie County Legislature's Finance and Management Committee Tuesday tabled a resolution for adoption of the 2006 property tax levy.
The 2006 budget, complete with a sales tax increase, has been approved. But still awaiting a vote are the final adoption of that budget with the real property tax levy. Normally, approving the levy and getting tax bills ready is standard procedure. But lawmakers must wait until early January for the final vote from state legislators to enact the sales tax hike. And County Attorney Larry Rubin is looking for a couple of safeguards in case that doesn't happen. But his amendments have stalled the normal process. Republican lawmaker Charles Swanick says they need to get on with it.
"This is very serious business," Swanick said. "We don't do this, then everything comes to a standstill again. Then it moves into the next (Legislature). I'd rather clean it up with this (Legislature). We're the ones who took the vote."
Rubin's amendments would delay mailing the tax bills until after state lawmakers vote. If the measure should be defeated, the deficit would automatically be filled with a further increase in property taxes. Democrat Al DeBenedetti says it's not a bad idea. He says the procedure for adopting budgets -- before revenues are actually guaranteed -- might be how it's always been done. But he says last year is evidence it may not be wise.
Budget officials say bond rating agencies have indicated they prefer the extra language. But Committee Chair Demone Smith says the full body needs to be in agreement.
The matter will be addressed at the December 15th legislative session. Budget officials asked that, at a minimum, the resolution, without the amendments be given approval then, so they can at least start printing tax bills.