Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A pair of city lawmakers have penned a letter to the City of Buffalo Corporation Counsel, the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets, and the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, urging immediate action to address financial accountability and contract enforcement, as the city faces a severe financial crisis.
In their letter, Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader and Ellicott District Councilwoman Leah Halton-Pope and Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski emphasized the need to prioritize the enforcement of contracts, the collection of fines and fees, and the recovery of outstanding payments to protect the financial health of the city.
The letter outlined several instances of contract mismanagement that have resulted in significant revenue loss for the City of Buffalo.
"As our city grapples with a financial crisis, every dollar counts," said Halton-Pope. "It is critical that we hold our contractors accountable, ensure audits are completed, and collect outstanding payments. Failing to do so will jeopardize essential services for our residents."
The letter highlighted key issues, including:
- The Erie Basin Marina contract with Smith Boys, which has not been audited as required, costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential revenue;
- Sue's NY Deli, which owes over $100,000 in unpaid rent;
- AMR Ambulance Services, which has not paid its franchise license fees in five years, costing the city an estimated $2.5 million.
"Our goal is to protect the city's financial stability by ensuring compliance with contracts and maximizing revenue collection," said Nowakowski. "We can no longer afford to let these issues go unchecked. It's time for comprehensive audits and stronger oversight."
In addition to contract enforcement, the letter calls for improved collection of fines and fees, requesting an update from the Department of Permits and Inspections Services on fines collected over the past two years and any barriers to recovering outstanding amounts.
The Council Members have requested reports, audits, and recommendations be submitted to the Common Council as soon as possible to ensure these matters are addressed swiftly.
