Continued action to improve financial status
LYNN MARINELLI Legislature Chairperson
The Erie County Legislature continues to focus on financial reform and improving fiscal practices.

This includes the County Legislature's unanimous approval of a local law, comprised of the 33 Charter Review Commission recommendations approved by the Legislature, which will appear on the ballot throughout Erie County in November.

The local law we approved went to the county executive, who signed the law after holding a public hearing. This local law has been submitted to the Board of Elections and will appear on the November ballot for you, the voter, to exercise the ultimate choice. I ask for your support of this important reform referendum.

The Legislature strengthened financial oversight and budgetary structure by increasing the county comptroller's powers, including authorizing the comptroller to declare a deficit, review revenue projections, and allow the Legislature to reduce such projections by a two-thirds majority vote.

The County Legislature received input from residents, elected and appointed officials, members of the Erie County Charter Revision Commission and other interested parties.

The County Legislature reformed Erie County's governance with tougher fiscal checks and balances through an updated charter. I am very pleased this was approved 15-0. These changes will help ensure that future budgets include programmatic budgeting, cost accounting, and voting on individual lines.

Committee deliberations will be conducted on further changes, especially with the Department of Social Services and public safety. Human service delivery, the prime county government mission, needs an in-depth examination. There is a need to investigate cost savings, improved efficiencies and mandated or contractual compliance requirements.

The Legislature continues to discuss the latest revised four-year fiscal plan as submitted to the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority by the county executive, with the County Legislature's having its monitoring role.

At the Sept. 14 meeting, the County Legislature approved by a 14-1 vote the creation of a budget analyst. With the 2007 Erie County budget due to be proposed by the county executive in mid-October, it is necessary to have strengthened legislative oversight and accurate information. The County Legislature, by charter, has until the first Tuesday of December to adopt a balanced budget.

Finally, my work continues with pushing for better practices for capital budgeting. Currently before the County Legislature is a $4 million bond request for a major new project at the Buffalo Zoo. State and private monies are also involved in this exciting and worthy venture.

I welcome feedback at marinelli@erie.gov.