CITY OF BUFFALO 2000-01 BUDGET
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
MAY 1, 2000
ANTHONY M. MASIELLO
MAYOR, CITY OF BUFFALO
Table of contents:
Overview
Investments
Efficiencies
Conclusion
With the heralded leap from the 20th to the 21st Century, our community, like scores of other communities across the country, indeed the world, marked this historic milestone with celebrations and special events filled with great optimism and hope. Entering the new millennium opens a new chapter in our city's history. If we meet and exceed the challenges before us, we will have laid the necessary groundwork for future growth and prosperity well into the new century.
As mayor, my responsibility is to balance the myriad needs and desires of our community, help facilitate the application and implementation of programs to benefit the city-at-large and provide the necessary leadership our citizens expect of their highest ranking elected official. Concomitantly, in order to ensure fair distribution of services, development projects and adequate appropriation of city monies to worthy initiatives, I will continue my administration's legacy of openness, availability and accountability to the residents of our city.
Working together, with common purpose, we can solidify Buffalo's stature as a city worth investing in, worth raising a family in and worth placing faith in. Buffalo is ready to embrace the 21st Century and the limitless opportunities before us. We must maximize our potential and seize the moment of opportunity.
I am honored to be in the position of steering our proud city as we move forward and accept the challenge to maintain the rich diversity of our neighborhoods, strengthen and enhance our city services, streamline our government and take advantage of the various attributes, such as prime geographical location, affordable cost of living and a highly educated workforce, that can and will make Buffalo competitive with cities across the nation.
When the City of Buffalo entered the 20th Century, we greeted the new millennium brimming with prosperity, growth and remarkable technological advancements. We all know the story of the Pan American Exposition and how it showcased Buffalo's prominent position in our nation's economy. And we all know what has transpired since that time. The City of Buffalo today is a much different city, yet, as we enter the 21st Century, there are strong signs that our city can and will remain a viable urban center for raising a family, developing commercial activities and establishing new opportunities for future prosperity.
Our challenge - today - is to properly manage the resources available to us and to provide responsible stewardship of our city's finances. The budget I present today adheres to the simple premise that our city can provide progressive leadership through carefully targeted appropriations and sustain the essential services our citizens deserve and expect.
More importantly, however, this budget, for the fourth year in a row, decreases the tax levy. In 1996-97 the levy was $153,553,339, by last year the levy was $147,575,000. For 2000-01 the levy will be cut 4.5 % to $140,875,000. That's a decrease of $12.7 million dollars in four years. We cannot expect to be attractive to outside investors or expect our homegrown businesses and residents alike to remain if we don't hold the line on taxes; this is the cornerstone of competitiveness. We have done that consistently and this budget continues that commitment.
The homestead rate, at $18.29 per $1,000.00, will remain unchanged, while the non-homestead rate will be reduced 5.08% from $39.69 to $37.67 per $1000.00. If our city is to truly prosper, we must find ways to help our residents find employment and our commercial businesses, particularly the small- and medium-sized businesses that form the core of our commercial enterprises, expand. Reducing the non-homestead levy goes a long way in achieving that goal.
Keeping the homestead rate flat, coupled with state STAR refunds, helps our residents realize a savings on their annual property tax. The combination of our responsible city fiscal practices, coupled with such statewide initiatives as STAR, accrues to the benefit of all city homeowners.
We must remain competitive, and we are, but if the City of Buffalo expects to attract investment and development, which benefits the entire city, then we must demonstrate our determination to help businesses - small, medium and large - either expand their operations or establish themselves within the city limits. This budget helps accomplish that goal.
Further, there will be no increase in the user fee or the city water rates.
This budget, the first under the new City Charter, reflects the work of the Charter Revision Commission and I am grateful for the selfless dedication of the Commission members who demonstrated their commitment to Buffalo through the thousands of hours they invested in helping reshape our city's most important governmental document.
And while we are not yet legally bound to the mandates of the new City Charter, my 2000-01 budget has been crafted to adhere to the important recommendations of the Commission that have been approved by our citizens. It is our responsibility not to just accept the various changes of the new Charter; we must extol and trumpet them. We must remind each other, daily, that this document, crafted and approved by our fellow citizens, is just the roadmap we need to move forward, progressively, into the future.
The Commission made many recommendations for improving and streamlining the operation of City government. Their recommendations called for greater investment in some important service areas. This budget invests where we must and holds the line where we can. In short, it is a responsible agenda for the coming fiscal year.
Before detailing those investments, I want to express my gratitude to our State Legislative Delegation for their help in securing over $30 million in additional aid for the City of Buffalo. Their commitment to sustaining and enhancing the various initiatives my administration has undertaken is reflected in their success, year after year, in acquiring vitally important state appropriations for the City of Buffalo. The fact that this year's state appropriation contains $22 million in baseline cash is a remarkable achievement that underscores the delegation's effectiveness and Albany's growing understanding for the need of a strong and competitive upstate economy.
It is this type of action that should give our entire city cause for celebration. The money we send to Albany is being returned to our community and we are, in turn, reinvesting that money for our collective future. From the city's waterfront, to new housing initiatives throughout the East Side, to brownfield reclamation in South Buffalo, to new market-rate homes being constructed in North Buffalo and the rebuilding of Hertel Avenue's infrastructure, to the distribution of trash tote receptacles on the West Side, to a revived and exciting entertainment district in downtown, we are making progress and we are winning.
I recognize fully that many challenges await us and there is still more to do, but in six short years we have moved forcefully and positively to reassert Buffalo's rightful position as a livable, workable and hospitable city.
Schools
I have increased funding to the Buffalo Public Schools by $554,341 to cover increased debt service requirements and added $22 million for Capital Improvements -- $10 million of which is dedicated to a new location for the Olmsted School's grades 3 through 5 on the site of Buffalo Psychiatric Center beginning in September 2001.
The strength of any urban municipality can be measured many ways, but the viability and excellence of a public school system is paramount to any gauge used to assess a city's competitiveness. A school's physical plant is critically important in establishing the appropriate learning environment for students. Working with the Board of Education and the Joint Schools Construction Board, we have set an aggressive new build and school building renovation agenda that provide the proper learning environment for all of our public school students.
The State Legislature is now considering legislation we have submitted that will permit us to construct new schools responsibly, cost effectively and expeditiously. We have set an agenda that will enable us to take advantage of the state reimbursement program that will contribute significantly to our ability to provide state-of-the-art educational facilities in new and renovated school buildings.
Strategic Planning
This Budget establishes the Office of Strategic Planning within the Executive Department to provide for better coordination of city planning activities. Our city's business leaders cited the value of such an office, the Charter Revision Committee recommended it and I embrace the pivotal function this new office will play in our city's future.
This Office contains a new Division of Environmental Affairs and a reconstituted Division of Development to attract new economic opportunities. Each will perform an important function in our continuing effort to effectively redevelop our city's various communities and bring our thousands of acres of former industrial brownfields back into productive reuse.
Two other Divisions have been created in the Executive Department - a Division of Intergovernmental Relations to provide improved coordination with our County and suburban partners as we seek opportunities to improve service and reduce costs - and a Division of Citizen Services to address citizen problems/complaints, improve communication and follow-up.
Information Technology
Created a new Department of Management Information Services that will focus on the proper management of information technology throughout city government. In a city that contains a burgeoning information technology industry via the Buffalo Byte Belt initiative and one of the world's most extensive fiber optic networks, it only makes sense that our city government be as prepared and as efficient as the hi-tech businesses we are promoting and attracting.
Police
The 2000-01 budget adds sixteen (16) Report Technicians, continuing the civilianization of the department, allowing for additional R.T.'s in each district, thus freeing up Police Officers for street duty. We now have civilians in the Cell Block, Dispatch and clerical functions. Civilians earn less money, have longer careers and work more hours per year.
In addition, we will add ten (10) new Police Officers to the Patrol Function of the Department, which enhances further the excellent effort our patrol officers have performed over the past several years. Crime has plummeted in our city, thanks in large part to the men and women patrol officers on the street. Adding these new officers continues our commitment to making Buffalo a safe city in which to live, work and recreate.
The budget also adds an exempt Chief to improve the professional management of the department. We now have four (4) chiefs and three (3) Deputy Commissioners. It is our belief that exempt leadership provides for greater accountability and oversight.
We have also continued our investment in Mobile Computer Terminals, purchasing thirty (30) more units and investing $385,000 in Network upgrades.
We have also invested $50,000 in an In-Car Video project. In-car video has been utilized successfully across the country and it serves the interests of both the police and the public.
Fire
Four (4) new Lieutenants have been added in this year's budget to enhance supervision and provide greater accountability at fire scenes.
Replaced two (2) vacant Uniformed Dispatchers with four (4) civilian dispatchers bringing the total number of civilian dispatchers to ten (10). In the most recent contract negotiation with Local 282, the City gained the right to civilianize the dispatch function. A Local 282 dispatcher makes $50,425. A civilian earns $25,900 - $29,417. Consequently, we can replace 2 for 1, not cost ourselves any money, save money on benefits and get longer careers and reduce overtime spending.
Created within the Fire Department a new Office of Disaster Preparedness. Recent events locally and throughout the country have demonstrated the need to be prepared to address any number of emergencies from environmental mishaps to terrorism. This new office will play a critical role as a link to other city and regional departments during a crisis.
Additionally, with the cooperation of New York State and Erie County, my administration late last year created the nation's first Corporate Emergency Access System. This groundbreaking initiative will enable designated employees of private businesses gain access to their place of business during periods of severe weather and other emergencies.
This program is an excellent example of regional cooperation that can benefit the entire city, especially in times of declared emergencies.
We will also provide three (3) new pumpers to the Fire Department.
Public Works, Parks and Streets - Division of Recreation
We have added three (3) Community Recreation Aides to help keep the Recreation Centers open all year.
Public Works, Parks and Streets - Street Sanitation
Appropriated $3.6 million to complete the purchase of trash totes (and tippers), for distribution citywide. This initiative is an investment in public health and safety and will build upon our successful pilot program on the city's West Side. This investment will not only provide for the more efficient collection of garbage, it will enhance the investments we have made in pest and rodent control.
In addition, over $3.3 million has been appropriated for the purchase of twenty-two (22) trucks for garbage and recycling and fourteen (14) new packer bodies. We will receive reimbursement in the amount of $1.41 million from a state DEC grant making our cost $1.97 million.
This budget continues the Masiello Administration's commitment to improving and maintaining our snow fighting equipment by allocating $640 thousand for seven (7) additional pieces of equipment.
Public Works, Parks and Streets - Bureau of Animal Shelter
Added a licensed Veterinary Technician per the requirements of the new Charter, which will help for the humane care of animals.
Department of Community Services
Created per the new Charter a Department of Community Services consisting of the Divisions for Senior Services, Substance Abuse, Youth, Disabled Persons Advocacy, and Workforce Employment and Training.
Department of Community Services - Division For Youth
Added a full-time Youth Program Coordinator.
Added a Youth Counselor to Youth Court.
Commission on Citizen Rights and Community Relations
This commission has been created per the new Charter to improve relations among the city's racial, religious, ethnic, and other communities and build an inclusive sense of community throughout the city.
Department of Permit and Inspection Services
In the current year we began to prepare for one-stop permit shopping to support business development. This budget completes the move.
We created the new Department per the Charter. Added two (2) new Electrical Inspectors, moved in four (4) Building Code Specialists from Buildings and added a Supervisor of Building Construction Plans to facilitate the Permit Office.
These additions, coupled with streamlined changes already incorporated in the Permits Department, will enhance all development activities throughout the city.
Administration and Finance
Merged the Department of General Services and the Division of Collections with the Department of Administration and Finance, eliminating a Commissioner and placing responsibility for citywide procurement and revenue collection within the finance department where issues of cost and equity will receive the greatest attention.
Police
Reduced Court Time expenditures by $400,000 through the concerted efforts of the Common Council (Majority Leader Rose LoTempio), the District Attorney's Office, City Court and the Police Administration. Better scheduling, telephone conferencing and enhanced monitoring will save money and enhance the delivery of police services.
Human Resources
Created a new Department of Human Resources to provide for better training and management of the city workforce.
In 2001, the Civil Service Commission will be eliminated with the Commissioner of Human Resources becoming responsible for administering the provisions of the civil service law. Upon the elimination of the Commission, a Civil Service Appeals Board will be empanelled to hear disputes.
Public Works, Parks and Streets
Merged the Departments of Public Works, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, and Street Sanitation into the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets. This will provide for the most efficient utilization of the workforce - providing coordinated assistance at necessary times (e.g., snowstorms, grass cutting season).
Public Works, Parks and Streets - Demolitions
In the current year we added a city demolition crew to provide for the demolition of properties struck to the city through the In-Rem process. This pilot project has proved very valuable. The cost of a city demolition is less than $6,000 while a private demolition costs approximately $7,200. We have saved over $125,000 on demolitions since we began this project.
We are expanding this initiative in 2000-01 by adding a second crew - as more parcels are struck to us there will be more work - a second crew will provide twice the savings.
In December, 1999 Inc. Magazine listed the City of Buffalo among the 50 best metropolitan areas in the country to start and grow a business.
Similarly, Site Selection magazine in February of this year placed Buffalo among the nation's top 25 metropolitan areas with the most company openings or expansion announcements. And the Spring 2000 report of the Buffalo Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York noted that "Employment growth in 1999 for the Buffalo metropolitan area was the strongest in a decade…."
The glass, my friends, is indeed half full. Many challenges remain before us, but there can be little doubt that good things are starting to develop for our city and region. My administration is committed to fostering the right kind of growth and development that will further enhance the city of Buffalo's position as a locale to conduct business, raise a family and invest in our future.
Through my administration's push last year for a revised statewide building code, we can look forward to a less confusing and more sensible system whereby developers can now redevelop the peerless building stock of our city. With an improved and streamlined city building permit process, which the Charter called for and we are implementing with the valued assistance of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, we can now state, without reservation, Buffalo Means Business!
The soon-to-be-completed City Master Plan will further strengthen our future city development projects, but I have not waited for that document's completion. Last year, working with Buffalo Place Inc. and the University at Buffalo's Urban Design Project of the School of Architecture and Planning, we initiated the Downtown Buffalo 2002! Project, which is a component of the overall Master Plan. This project is well underway and we will soon see the benefit of this coordinated and carefully designed downtown development agenda.
Further, I will this week call on the members of the Common Council to join me in petitioning the Governor and the State Legislature to expand the physical boundaries of the city's state Economic Development Zone. While recent events related to the EDZ are regrettable and all matters related to its current status should be moved expeditiously, I do believe that our state's second largest urban area, and one that has suffered economically, deserves a broader EDZ geographical area. Such action by the Governor and legislature will help us attract greater investment, employment opportunities and commercial development.
As our city's first budget for the new century, this budget reflects the responsible fiscal management my administration has insisted on and has led to two bond rating upgrades for the city. Similarly, the 2000-01 budget has not just embraced the anticipated structural changes of the new City Charter, it has been crafted with these changes as the guiding principles for progressive city management and responsible public service.
The new century, while technically not in place until January 1, 2001, is upon us. Now it is our task in Buffalo to let the rest of the nation know that we are up to the challenges of the new millennium. The 2000-01 city budget will help in that process; let's work together to succeed.