December 8, 2008
Chris Caya

BUFFALO (2008-12-10) "Significant holes" exist in the new budget approved yesterday by the Erie County Legislature according to County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz.

He says the shortfalls total more than $15 million and he believes lawmakers and County Executive Chris Collins are aware of the problem.

"This isnt a Democratic issue, this isn't a Republican issue. This is a county issue. And if we have shortfalls and we're aware that there are shortfalls in this budget then we need to address them," said Poloncarz.

Lawmakers vote on the tax-levy tomorrow and once it's set, Poloncarz says, their only option next year will be cutting services.

The comptroller also warns that the county's sales tax revenue is down and Albany will likely pass more costs on to local governments in 2009 to cut the state's deficit.

Through October and early November, sales tax revenue dropped nearly 4.5%. The Comptroller says if the trend continues, the county could end the year in a deficit.

Copyright 2008 - WNED