BUFFALO (2008-07-31) Erie County saw its sales tax revenues decline in the second quarter of this year.

Comptroller Mark Poloncarz says this could signal a trend, and if that is so, it could throw the county's current budget out of balance.

"I'm worried that if that trend continues, problems could loom on the horizon for the county," Poloncarz told WNED News.

Poloncarz is calling on the Collins Administration and the Legislature to closely monitor expenditures and revenues for the rest of the year.

"While the county is presently on budget, it appears that the economic slowdown that is affecting the rest of the country is finally having an impact here," said Poloncarz.

The Comptroller is calling on the administration to conservatively estimate sales tax revenues for next year, as it continues crafting its 2009 budget.

Copyright 2008 - WNED