WNED 970 News

Comptroller Issues Report on Sales Tax

Mark Leitner

BUFFALO (2007-09-05) Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz is warning the county could pay "a price" for its growing reliance on sales tax revenues to stay afloat.

The Comptroller contends the time has come for the County Executive and County Legislature sit down with the leaders of the County's cities, towns, and villages and thoroughly review a 1977 agreement that divvys up the sales tax revenues.

Those sales tax shares, he says, essentially subsidize local govts and school districts.

Poloncarz says the growing dependence on sales tax revenues puts the county at risk, and cities, towns, villages and school districts at risk, should there a recession.

Meanwhile, Poloncarz says his staff will be auditing E-C-M-C.

Poloncarz cautioned there is no smoking gun or red flag raised in connection with the audit. He said his staff will be looking at certain aspects of the Grider Street hospital, such as contracts.

Hospital officials say they welcome the audit.