Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Pay raises are coming next year for Buffalo's elected officials as part of the city budget approved by the Common Council.
Pay for the mayor will go up $50,000 for the mayor, $20,000 for the common councilmembers and roughly $25,000 for the comptroller. "If you look at the amount of time between the two periods of time, for the council it kept up with the rate of inflation," says Councilmember Richard Fontana, who is not seeking re-election. The raises take effect next year. "After 20 years after no raises, it just seemed it was due."
Fontana says he voted in favor after looking at the wage and whether it was fair for a full time job. Fontana issued this challenge to lawmakers. "I call on all lawmakers to work full time, not part time. Many challengers call this a part time job, and if they are, they're not doing it properly or legally," notes Fontana.
The budget also directed additional funding to support youth, public safety and public works.
"I thank members of the Buffalo Common Council for their thorough review of my conservative and balanced budget that continues to achieve growth and savings," said Mayor Brown. "I'm pleased that by working together the Council and my Administration have reached an early agreement, and we will continue to work together on our shared focus of making Buffalo a City of opportunity for all people, that deliversservices with professionalism and efficiency."
Buffalo Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen stated, "The Common Council has continued to work with the Mayor's Administration to pass a fiscally responsible budget this year that provides additional investments in infrastructure and public safety, increases access to residential services and launches innovations that will help Buffalo stake out a leadership position in protecting the environment. This budget also maintains the City's commitment to preserving low tax rates and maintaining the strong economic development throughout the City."
During its budget approval process, the Buffalo Common Council made some amendments to the FY 2019- 2020 Budget. They include:
• Added $187,520 for the Summer Youth Internship and Employment program to ensure additional work opportunities for City youth
• Additional support in the amount of $417,000 to the Buffalo Police Department for the full implementation of its program to arm officers with TASERS
• An additional $145,000 for public art across the City of Buffalo
• Additional personnel in the Department of Public Works for community engagement and specific infrastructure project management
