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Buffalo council approves midterm budget hearings amid concerns over parking ramp revenue
Summary
The council adopted a resolution to hold midterm budget hearings; members voiced concern that the city relies on $28 million in parking ramp revenue and urged earlier, more frequent financial reporting ahead of a new administration.
The Buffalo Common Council on Sept. 2 adopted a resolution requesting midterm budget hearings and asked that the hearings be used to give council members timely, department-level financial updates ahead of a change in administration.
Council members said earlier and more frequent reporting would let the council identify financial shortfalls and make informed decisions before the next administration proposes a budget in April. "By asking for these budget hearings, it allows us to have real time information about where we stand at the halfway point," a council member sponsoring the request said.
Council member Nelkoski warned the council is heavily reliant on parking ramp revenue and urged caution. "Our budget is relied on $28,000,000 of that revenue," he said, questioning whether the ramps could be sold quickly or for the anticipated amount and noting the timing could create a "dangerous juncture" if cash is not available.
Supporters said midterm hearings would bring departments back to answer questions, permit follow-up workshops if needed and could be written into the city charter as a permanent requirement. The sponsor said the charter requires departments to report their fiscal standing by Feb. 1, and midterm hearings would improve oversight before the April 8 proposed budget submission by a new administration.
The council adopted the resolution and referred remaining related items to the Finance Committee for follow-up. Members said they expect departments to provide the requested financial information in advance of the hearings so the council can review and ask substantive questions.
Background provided at the meeting noted prior years included multiple rounds of workshops during the budget cycle; council members said those processes yielded insufficient real-time information and that the midterm hearings would be another oversight tool.
No specific cuts or revenue measures were adopted at the Sept. 2 session; the resolution requests hearings and additional reporting and sends follow-up items to the Finance Committee for further work.
