Buffalo Relies on State Aid More Than Any Other Comparable City
by Matt at Aug 21st, 2008
A new control board study has found that the city of Buffalo “is more dependent on state aid than comparable cities in New York.”
But the same report also highlights some encouraging trends, analysts said Wednesday. Buffalo has the lowest property tax rate among larger cities, the fewest number of employees per 1,000 residents and the fattest budget reserves.
Board Chairman Paul J. Kolkmeyer said the study contains mixed results that showcase areas where Buffalo can be “proud,” and some trouble spots. He said Buffalo’s heavy reliance on state aid is a concern.
The city relies on the state to fund 43 percent of its day-today operations, a far higher percentage than what comparable cities receive. By comparison, the board said, state aid makes up 29 percent of the general fund budgets in Rochester and Syracuse, and only 22 of Yonkers’ budget.
Mayor Byron W. Brown went on the defense, saying the city’s ability to capture state funding is the result of effective lobbying in an “incredibly competitive” process.
“State aid isn’t a bad thing,” Brown insisted.
Brown also says that his using a city car isn’t a bad thing either.
Mayor Brown claim to fame will be he knew how to pan handle for state money .. tax money collected from state citizens and redistributed by elected officals. Sounds like Socialism to me. Where are all the jobs Brown was to bring into the city. I see no new industry .. more jobs leaving than comming.