Buffalo Rising Online

Apr 30th, 4:44pm By Eli George

Is it possible Buffalonians have less to complain about? The Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority (BFSA) was created in July 2003, and as part of their statute they have certain requirements to get the budget out. They have to do it in ten days and they have to have a public forum accessible to as many people as possible, amongst others requirements.

The first time they had the public forum was in September 6, 2003. The BFSA held it in the Buffalo Convention Center and around 250 people were present. It was an all day event, and 54 people voiced their opinions to the BFSA, 8 used computer terminals stationed outside the auditorium, 38 offered written comments, and 29 delivered their comments via e-mail.

According to Bryce Link of the BFSA, ever since that first year there has been a downward trend in attendance. Link says, “Even by year two, the attendance by membership had dropped significantly. We are required to have this report back to this outside entity by the 10th. It’s a small window for us to work in.”

Last year the forum was on May 7th. 8 people attended, 3 orated their opinions and there were 2 email submissions and 1 fax. That is a significant drop from that first year, especially considering how open the public forum is. Testimony can be received on the budgets and four-year financial plans of the City of Buffalo, Buffalo School District, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, and the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority itself.

Any citizen is welcome to attend the forum, which takes place in the Chamber of the City of Buffalo Common Council in City Hall. Everyone who speaks is given his or her five minutes. Link says, “It is an opportunity for individuals to come out and comment. Ideally they will stay on topic to the budget being discussed, however other issues have come up in the past.”

In other words, this is five minutes of dedicated time that goes directly into consideration of the 2008-2009 budget before the BFSA submits it back. This is budget season, and Link says it is a busy time at “this time of year for most municipalities because of the fiscal year beginning in July.” He noted that the Common Council will be working on its own budget for the next couple of weeks.

Now is the opportunity for organizations and individuals to add their input. This former all day event is now down to hours for input. With attendance continually dropping, the BFSA needed less and less time to hear all of the comments. If you’d like to put in your two cents, you can do so on Monday, May 5th. The doors open at 5:30PM and you have until 7PM to register to speak. Brief introductions take place from 5:45-5:55 and afterwards the public comment period begins and runs until 8.

If you can’t make it down to the Common Council Chambers, you can submit your comments online at www.bfsa.state.ny.us or by e-mailing info@bfsa.state.ny.us or by faxing them to 853-9052. You can also mail them to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, Attn: Public Forum, 617 Main Street, Suite 400, 14203. Comments may be submitted up until midnight on May 5th.