By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-790888.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The City of Buffalo is assessing its potential losses in state aid. Mayor Byron Brown told reporters the biggest concern is how the cuts will effect union contract negotiations.
The City is expected to lose $1.4 million for this budget year due to state cuts. But the 2009 budget year will take a bigger hit. That's when the City stands to lose about 18-million dollars in state aid. Mayor Brown says for now services and programs won't be effected thanks to the City's $40 million rainy day fund.
The Mayor says his bigger concern is tapping into funding specifically set aside to negotiate union contracts. But Brown doesn't believe the potential loss in state aid would be used as a bargaining chip in hammering out union contracts.
Brown says his administration has worked to be fiscally responsible with three years of belt tightening. The Mayor says he believes it will give the city the ability to move forward without cutting needed services or jobs.
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