HomeMy WebLinkAbout13-0501ss03SPECIAL SESSION
May 1, 2013
AT 11:00 A.M.
1. Call for Special Session R &F
2. Mayor's Fiscal Year 2013 -14 Budget Overview R &F
3. Mayor's Four Year Financial Plan Cow
4. Mayor's 2013 -14 Budget Recommendations Cow
5. Adjourn ADOPT
COMMON COUNCIL .
CITY HALL - BUFFALO
SPECIAL SESSION
May 1, 2013
at 11:00 A.M.
PRESENT: Richard A. Fontana President of the Council, and Council Members
Franczyk, Golombek, LoCurto, Pridgen, Rivera, Russell, Scanlon, Smith - 9.
ABSENT None.
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April 30, 2013
Mr. Gerald A. Chwalinski
City Clerk
1308 City Hall
Buffalo, New York
Dear Mr. Chwalinski:
Pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Charter of the City of Buffalo, upon the written request of
Five Councilmembers, dated April 30, 2013 presented to you herewith, I hereby call a
Special Meeting of the Common Counci,to be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall,
Buffalo, New York, on May 1, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. for the following purpose:
To receive and take appropriate action on:
1. Mayor's 2013 -14 Budget Recommendations
Yours very truly,
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Richard A. Fontana
President of the Council
April 30, 2013
Hon. Richard A. Fontana
President Common Council
1315 City Hall
Buffalo, New York
Dear Sir:
WE, the undersigned, members of the Common Council, hereby request that you
call a Special Meeting of the Common Council, pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Charter of
the City of Buffalo, for the following purpose:
To receive and take appropriate action on
Mayor's 2013 -14 Budget Recommendations
We request that this Special Meeting be held on May 1, 2013 at 11:00 A.M.
5
Pursuant to Rule 2 of the Rules of Order of the Common Council of the City of Buffalo,
each of the following named members of the Common Council, to wit:
DAVID FRANCZYK JOSEPH GOLOMBEK
MICHAEL LOCURTO DARIUS G. PRIDGEN
DAVID A. RIVERA BONNIE E. RUSSELL
CHRISTOPHER SCANLON DEMONE SMITH
hereby states that he /she received twenty -four (24) hours' notice of the time and purpose
of the Special Meeting of the Common Council duly called to be held on May 1, 2013 at
11:00 A.M.
STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF ERIE) ss:
CITY OF BUFFALO)
appeared
G W
On this 30th day of April 2013, before me, the subscribers, personally
To me known to be the same persons described in and who executed the foregoing
instrument, and they duly and severally acknowledged to me that they executed the same.
y � ,
Commissioner of Deeds, in and for
the City of Buffalo, N.Y.
My Commission expires 12/31/14
GERALD A. CHWALINSKI
City Clerk
Registrar of Vital Statistics
MARY H. BALDWIN
Deputy City Clerk
MILLY CASTRO
Deputy City Clerk Vital Statistics
Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics
April 30, 2013
TO EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMON COUNCIL:
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
65 NIAGARA SQUARE
ROOM 1308 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202
PHONE: (716) 851 -5431
FAX: (716) 851 -4845
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that, pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Charter of
the City of Buffalo, upon the written request of Five Councilmembers, dated April 30,
2013, RICHARD A. FONTANA, President of the Common Council, has called a Special
Meeting of the Common Council, to be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Buffalo,
New York, on May 1, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. for the following purpose:
To receive and take appropriate action on all items relating to
1. Mayor's 2013 -14 Budget Recommendations
Yours very truly, '
Gerald A. hwalinski
City Clerk
No.
At 4:00 P.M. the Common Council reconvened with the following
members present —
Council President Fontana, Council Members Franczyk, Golombek, LoCurto,
Pridgen, Rivera, Russell, Scanlon, Smith — 9.
Absent — None.
Seconded by
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CITY OF BUFFALO
Fiscal Year 2013 -2014
Budget Overview
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A Message from Mayor Byron Brown
With the goal of building on Buffalo's continued progress, I am pleased to present my recommended
Budget for the City of Buffalo's 2013 -2014 fiscal year that totals $482,534,741, lower than last year's
budget.
This budget stays true to my continued commitment to prudent and conservative budgeting, despite
the challenges facing municipalities across .the state: a 14% increase in employee pension costs, a 4.9%
rise in health care costs and a 3% increase in overall fringe benefit costs. This spending plan also
reflects the remarkable progress we've made in Buffalo, including our city's significantly improved
fiscal outlook. Since 2006, we've improved Buffalo's credit rating to its highest in history. This good
news for taxpayers reflects our city's strong financial position which will enable us to continue to save
money on future investments that further improve the quality of life in Buffalo.
This budget further builds on the progress by cutting the commercial property tax rate by another 3.2% in an effort to
continue to retain and draw new business activity, and new jobs to Buffalo.'City homeowners, as well as businesses, will
benefit from my continued commitment not to raise property taxes in Buffalo this year, honoring my three year pledge to
freeze property taxes. In addition, we will not raise any fees, including the garbage user fee, while we continue to make
strong investments in the services that keep our city competitive, safe and fiscally responsible. Neighborhoods and
business districts will be bolstered by additional investments in education, crime prevention, activities for senior citizens,
youth employment and parks. New funding for cultural organizations has been added, while support continues for the
Buffalo Broadway Market, the Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo Place, The Buffalo Zoo, Kleinhans Music Hall and the
Buffalo Niagara Film Commission.
Mayor of Buffalo, I am pleased to present a budget that recognizes the difficult economic challenges, while at the same
.e, continues to improve the quality of life that our residents have come to expect and deserve in the City of Buffalo.
Fiscal Year 2013 -2014 Budget Highlights
Total Budget: $482,534,741
Financial Challenges:
Buffalo's significantly improved fiscal climate is noteworthy as it manages similar financial challenges facing all New York's
municipalities: New York State fiscal crisis, a 14% increase in Albany driven employee pension costs, a 4.9% increase in
health care and 3% rise in fringe benefit costs.
Major Initiatives:
Improving the Quality of Life: $1 million for new police cars, $160,000 for the Buffalo Broadway Market, $50,000
to continue the Neighborhood and Business District Crime Prevention and Beautification Program, $50,000 to
expand activities for Senior Citizens.
Seeping Buffalo Competitive: Cut city commercial property tax by an additional 3.2 %, while freezing residential
property tax bills for the third year of a 3 -pear pledge. $100,000 in new funding for a Marketing Campaign for
Buffalo. No increases in any city fees, including the garbage user fee.
Cultural & Community Services Support: Provides $100,000 in new funding for a competitive grant for cultural
organizations, while continuing support for The Buffalo History Museum, the Buffalo Niagara Film Commission,
Buffalo Place, fbe Buffalo Zoo, Y einhans Music Hall and the Police Athletic League of Buffalo.
Investment in Youth: Includes a third year of a 3 year $167,000 annual, $500,000 total commitment to the Say Yes
to Education program, increases funding for the Mayor's Youth Employment Program to $1. J_ adds
$171,000 for the hiring of school attendance teachers. RECEIVED AND FILED
Mayor Byron Brown's Budget Message
Page 2
Fiscal Integrity
Budget Overview
The 2013 -14 budget is $482,534,741, continuing the Brown Administration's commitment to prudent, conservative
budgeting and the implementation of efficiency measures designed to keep Buffalo competitive, improve the quality of city
services, while reducing costs.
Where It Goes
Expenses for the Recommended Budget 2013 -14
Where It Comes From
Revenuesfor the Recommended Budget 2013 -14
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$2,355,589
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Mayor Brown's continued sound financial management practices have caught Wall Street's attention with steady increases in
Buffalo's credit rating, culminating in the award of "A" ratings for the second consecutive year across the board by the
nation's largest credit rating agencies, the city's highest in its history. Wall Street's confidence in Buffalo has resulted in the
lowest interest rates on city debt in Buffalo's history.
Page 3
Sound Fiscal Management Practices
Managing Expenditures
With rising costs beyond the city's control, in particular health care and pension costs, the city must continue to implement
strict fiscal controls and management practices. A project is underway for the city to sell and put to market use, un- needed
buildings, and other assets and to identify efficiency measures within all city buildings to reduce energy costs and better
manage maintenance and improvements.
City Health Insurance Costs
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Measures of Fiscal Success
City Pension Costs
The city has established a "Rainy Day Fund," totaling nearly $36 million. This insulates the city from future year budget
deficits by setting aside funding for unanticipated expenses, or "A Rainy Day."
With a self - imposed debt limit policy, city and school debt continues to shrink from over $400 million in 2002 to about
$287 million today.
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Mayor Byron Brown's Budget Message
Page 4
Quality of Life Improvements
Safer Streets
Growing strong communities starts with
safety. Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Police
Department continue to implement effective
crime prevention strategies that have reduced
overall crime by nearly 20% since 2005. This
budget provides $1 milli for the purchase of
new police cars and technology.
Neighborhood & Business District Beautification
Reducing crime and beautifying neighborhoods
and commercial areas keep communities safe
and livable. This year, $50,000 in funding will
further expand the Neighborhood and Business
District Crime Prevention and Beautification
Program to improve the quality of life for all
city residents.
Demolition and Rehabilitation
Substantial city resources continue to be
dedicated to Mayor Brown's aggressive "5 in 5"
demolition and rehabilitation program. To date,
over 4,654 structures have been
demolished. During 2013 -14, the city will invest
$6.5 million from a variety of funding sources,
including $500,000 in this budget, to conduct
nearly 325 demolitions.
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Page 5
Quality of Life Improvements
Parks and Playgrounds
It has been a priority to enhance quality of life
issues that make Buffalo neighborhoods
stronger. This budget provides $5.7 million for
the overall maintenance of parks citywide.
Greener, Cleaner Buffalo
Buffalo continues to emerge as a greener and
cleaner city. This year, the City of Buffalo will
continue to expand its recycling initiative, called
Buffalo Green Cart recycling. The program broke
tonnage records for every month in 2012,
recycling 13,000 tons, the most ever in city
history. Funding in this year's budget for a large
Street Sweeper will complement the two new
sidewalk sweepers recently purchased to further
beautify business districts citywide.
Clean Sweeps Quality of Life "Blitzes"
This budget includes funding for targeted and
intensive building inspections and clean -ups,
including graffiti removal, and will supplement
the 27 Save Out City Clean Sweeps planned
for this year.
Mayor Byron Brown's Budget Message
13
Page 6
Property Tax Relief
Reducing Rates & Freezing Taxpayer Bills
The budget continues the city's progress in stabilizing residential and commercial property tax bills. For the 8th straight year,
since the beginning of the Brown Administration, commercial property tax rates will again fall. Ibis year, to continue the city's
effort to attract new business and jobs to Buffalo, the tax rate on non - homestead properties, primarily commercial structures,
will be reduced by another 3.2 %. With this decrease, commercial property tax rates will have decreased by almost 28% since
2006. For a commercial structure worth $100,000, the property tax bill is more than $939 less than if the rates had remained the
same.
Mayor Brown's pledge to freeze property tax bills for all city taxpayers is maintained in the budget. With a 15% decrease in
residential property tax rates since 2006, property tax bills for city residents will remain substantially the same in the upcoming
year as their last tax bill. For average homeowners with a home worth $100,000, these rate decreases have meant that their tax
bill is $300 less annually than if the rates had not been reduced.
Property Tax Relief —How it affects you?
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Page 7
Investing in our Youth, Seniors and Arts & Culture
Improved Educational Outcomes
Say Yes: Say Yes to Buffalo is the local chapter of Say Yes to Education, a national non -profit education foundation that promises a free or
partial college tuition to students who meet the graduation and residency requirements. This budget includes $167,000, which is the third of a
three year conunitment to scholarships, totaling $500,000 to Say Yes, a broad -based public /private initiative that invests in city youth.
Attendance Teachers: In addition to the $70.3 million provided to Buffalo Schools, which is more than 50% of the property tax levy, this
spending plan also provides $171,000 to support the hiring of additional Attendance Teachers in the Buffalo School District to address the issue
of absenteeism.
Buffalo Promise Neighborhood: The City will continue to invest in this initiative to improve educational outcomes for children living and
attending school in the 14214 and 14215 neighborhood. Since 2006, Mayor Brown has invested more than $5.2 million in this neighborhood,
fueled by an additional investment of over $7.5 million from M &T Bank.
Youth Employment & Senior Services
Youth Employment:
The FY 2013 -14 City Budget continues to make a substantial investment in Youth Programs by increasing the city's commitment to Mayor
Brown's Youth employment program to a total of $1,100,000, the highest amount in the city's history. The funding will enable approximately
1,400 young people to find meaningful employment. Since 2006, Mayor Brown has provided 17,256 job opportunities to some of the city's
neediest youth. This program provides real employment experience, income and training that helps young people develop workforce and
leadership skills to get and keep good jobs in the future.
Activities for Senior Citizens:
This budget also continues to make an investment in Senior Services by providing $50,000 to expand activities for senior citizens, adding more
programs like the Cooling & Warming Centers, the Bowl -a -than, and Summer Picnic.
.Arts &Cultural Support
Buffalo continues its commitment to provide cultural attractions to its residents. This budget provides an additional $100,000 in funding for a
competitive grant for cultural organizations.
This Budget also continues to allocate $160,000 to the Buffalo Broadway Market, an additional $136,000 to the Buffalo Zoo, $125,000 for
Buffalo Place, $50,000 to Kleinhans Music Hall and $5,500 for the Buffalo History Museum.
Community Services
Mayor Brown's spending plan also includes a substantial investment in community services, providing $100,000 to the Buffalo Niagara Film
Commission, $100,000 for a Marketing Campaign designed to attract new residents and businesses to Buffalo, $33,243 to the Police Athletic
League of Buffalo and $11,000 to AmeriCorps.
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ADJOURNMENT
On a Motion by Mr. Smith seconded by Mr. Pridgen The Council adjourned at 4:02 PM
Gerald A. Chwalinski
City Clerk