By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority Thursday rejected Erie County Executive Chris Collin's first four year plan.
The Control Board said there is about a one hundred twelve million dollar gap in the plan. They cited unproven savings in everything from debt service for the Erie CMC debt service to Six Sigma initiatives. Members also called projected revenues from the Buffalo casino unrealistic. Board member Stan Keysa said Collins needs a learning curve to understand public sector financing.
But Collins said there is no problem with his accounting. He said the board is nitpicking over fractions of a $1.4 billion budget. And he believes there is motivation for their actions.
According to Collins, the control board is mandated to make suggestions if they reject the plan. The Control Board disagrees. Vice Chair Robert Glaser said they will give Collins more time to refine his projections.
But Collins said he will not submit another four-year proposal until his 2009 budget is presented in November. In the meantime, Collins said he is very happy with how county government is running.
However, Collins udget chief Beth Kornbrekke has worked in both worlds - and she is choosing to return to the private business world. Kornbrekke, as well as county attorney George Zimmerman have both resigned from the Collins administration.
Click the "listen" icon above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.