By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says his proposed spending plan would put the City on the road to fiscal independence.
The Mayor unveiled his $418 million budget Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. His proposed budget would offer a 7.5% property tax decrease. About 85% of all homeowners and 94% of business property owners would see a cut in next year's tax bill.
But the proposed budget would hold the line on fees, such as the garbage fee. The Mayor's plan would set also aside $8.8 million in funding to be used toward lifting the four year wage freeze imposed by the buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority.
Brown says lifting the wage freeze will be a top priority. The Mayor's budget also calls for hiring 40-new police officers. The proposed plan would also include a $5 million increase in City reserves to help settle claims related to Hickory Woods.
Mayor Brown's spending plan would also create a $12.8 million Grow Buffalo Fund to spur economic development, adds more spending for new fire equipment and calls to create a new graffiti unit.
Brown says this is the third year the city has been able to present positive fund balances without the help of the control board. The Mayor says this budget could help Buffalo move the control board into a dormant state and lays a solid foundation for a vital & vibrant city.
The Mayor's proposed spending plan now head to the Common Council for budget hearings. It must also be approved by the control board. A new city budget must be adopted by June first.
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