By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Erie County Executive and lawmakers are squabbling over a fuel budget line item this week. But next week the squabble could ignite into a budget showdown.
Chris Collins said that county lawmakers have twice rejected his request for a budget transfer needed to buy fuel. He wants $600,000 moved from another budget line to replenish the account used for fuel. He's calling on legislature chair Lynn Marinelli to call a special session this week to take up the measure again.
Marinelli said lawmakers meet again Tuesday, which she said will be soon enough. But Collins said supplies are nearly exhausted and he's ready to declare a county state of emergency if necessary.
His request for the legislature to approve $650,000 in efficiency grants from the Fiscal Stability Authority for Six Sigma was also tabled.
But yet another bigger showdown could be coming. Collins said his budget due next week might have to carry a property tax hike. Collins said with revenues flat and expenses up everything is on the table.
He said they are taking a look now at where cuts can be made - including at least 100 positions. He said some of those would be vacancies, but he said some people would lose their jobs too.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynn Marinelli said this is the first she has heard of any cuts or tax hikes. She is reserving judgement on the positions until she sees where they come from. But Marinelli said Collins will have a tough time selling lawmakers on any tax hikes.
Collins could send over his proposed 2009 budget to the legislature as soon as Monday. The deadline is Wednesday. Lawmakers then have until December 2 to approve it or make changes. Marinelli said she will call a special session next week to receive the budget once it is presented.
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