BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Less than one hour before the Buffalo Common Council is scheduled to vote of Mayor Sean Ryan's proposed $682 million budget, veteran Councilman Joseph Golembek has offered a series of cuts that could shave $947,564 from the budget.
Also looming are a series of cuts and amendments from Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope that could help reduce the proposed Ryan-offered property tax hike from 25.8 % to approximately 12%, however, 15 minutes before the scheduled 3 p.m. vote, neither Golembek or Halton-Pope's amendmens had been formally clocked in with the council clerk, said President Joel Feroleto.
The amendments are part of last minute maneuvers by council members to reduce the 25.8% property tax hike.
Among Golembek's proposals are to roll back commissioner pay scales to 2025 level, cutting two deputy mayor positions and reducing the salary of the other two deputy mayors by $52,000.
Police Commissioner Erika Shields annual salary would be cut from $250,000 to $174,700-- the same rate former commissioner Alphonso Wright was paid last year.
Council to begin budget vote at 3 pm
Council to begin budget vote at 3 pm
