SIXTH MASIELLO BUDGET REDUCES TOTAL TAX LEVY FOR THIRD YEAR; CREATES FUND TO INCREASE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
April 30, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-5841
 

BUFFALO (4/30/99) - For the fourth consecutive year, Mayor Anthony M. Masiello has delivered a city budget that contains no tax increase. In fact, the Mayor's 1999-2000 budget represents the third time the Mayor has reduced the city's property tax levy. This budget includes a property tax levy that is $6 million less than three years ago.

"Since taking office, my goal has been to balance the city's budget without resorting to property tax increases," stated Mayor Masiello. "I am pleased that this year's budget, the budget that takes us into the next millennium, reduces the total tax levy by $3.275 million. And yet, I have also included funding for vital city services and economic development initiatives that will make our city stronger and more effective."

Holding spending growth one-fourth the rate of inflation, the $263 million budget reflects the Mayor's commitment to fiscal responsibility without sacrificing essential city services. Highlights include:

Doubling the city's budget for snow fighting equipment, which will provide for 10 major new pieces of equipment, Adding $2 million for new fire fighting equipment, Adding 4 additional exterminators for vermin control, Completing the reorganization of the city police department with funds for renovation work at Precinct #11, $3.2 million in funding for city's successful demolition program, $2.5 million in funding for city-wide infrastructure improvements (e.g., streets, sidewalks, trees & playgrounds), $ 100,000 for city-wide tree planting and removal, $7.8 million for school building rehabilitation and $500,000 for planning of four new schools to be directed by the Joint Schools Construction Board, Critical seed monies for economic development initiatives, including: $2 million for continued waterfront development, $500,000 for the South Buffalo Industrial Park and $350,000 to complete the demolition of the Delevan Street An-ory.

The budget also provides for a $500,000 appropriation for the development of a parental involvement initiative in the city's public schools.

"We are at a critical juncture in the management of city's public schools and I have made it very clear that the Mayor should be permitted a stronger role in the system's operations," noted Mayor Masiello. "But our overall effort will never be successful if the parents of students in the school system are removed from their children's educational experience. This initiative seeks to alter that situation."

The Mayor noted that earlier this year two of the nation's leading bond rating agencies - Moody's Investor Services and Standard and Poor's - upgraded the city's bond rating, signifying the city's successful effort to restore fiscal stability and accountability. The Mayor's budget of 1999-2000 continues that mission.