December 12, 2008
By Barbara Burns

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) -- Sales tax revenues are down four percent for October and early November in Erie County. Comptroller Mark Poloncarz says while the county's on budget for sales tax revenue, any applicable downtown in revenue could mean a deficit situation for 2008.

Poloncarz is "cautiously watching" the matter, hoping Christmas sales will help, but it may not be enough considering auto sales and gas prices have come down.

Poloncarz says if the revenue is below budget, the county must find other ways to make up for it in other areas. He fears that may not be possible at the moment.