May 14th, 2021
City of Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams released her response to Mayor Brown’s FY 2021-2022 recommended budget. “The recommended budget by the Administration appears to be credible revenues and appropriations based off the prior years’ actual financial results as determined by an analysis from my office,” stated Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams.
“That said, I urge caution on a budget that is heavily dependent upon onetime budget gap files, such as the stimulus resources from the American Rescue Plan, Tribal Pact revenue, and undisclosed property sales.”
Over the last three fiscal years, the City of Buffalo depleted its’ reserves in the Unassigned Fund Balance. Such action requires my recommendation that a Fund Balance Replenishment Policy be implemented by the Administration and Buffalo Common Council.
The Comptroller’s analysis recommends the Mayor and Common Council develop a public document that details the comprehensive utilization of the Federal stimulus resources. Miller-Williams stated, “My office will continue to monitor revenues, expenditures, debt, and cash trends. I look forward to implementing the industry’s best practices to protect the City’s future financial stability.”