WNED 970 News

Poloncarz Issues Budget Warning

Mike Desmond

BUFFALO (2007-07-31) Halfway through Erie County's fiscal year, County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz is sounding an alarm about the budget.

Poloncarz says problems include a stalemate with the County Control Board over a planned sale of tax liens. The dispute could cost the county $4-million this year.

Poloncarz is also concerned about funding for the Erie County Medical Center that could cost the county an extra $9-million.

Poloncarz says it's too soon to tell how the county will end the year.

"It's going to take a few more months...to tell us whether we're going to end up with a surplus, whether we'll end up with a balanced budget or a slight deficit," Poloncarz said.

There is some good news. Poloncarz says sales tax revenue so far is running ahead of budget projections.

Giambra Administration officials were scheduled to meet with the Legislature's Finance and Management Committee Tuesday morning to talk about the tax liens sale.

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