Author: Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz
Numerous studies have shown that content featuring negative headlines designed to provoke anger and fear generates higher engagement than something that promotes positivity and optimism. With that in mind, I’d like to share this month some of the highlights of positive developments happening in Erie County government.
Earlier this month I signed the deed and associated paperwork that transferred the Buffalo Bills stadium and surrounding complex from Erie County to New York State. As a result, for the first time since 1973 Erie County is out of the stadium business, saving Erie County millions of dollars annually. The ownership transfer capped off a significant series of events that led to the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that resulted in the largest construction project in state history. It will now be enjoyed by football fans as well as attendees for other special events. I thank all involved with the transfer process, including Governor Kathy Hochul, the Erie County Stadium Corporation, and our hardworking employees in the Erie County Attorney’s Office and the county’s Department of Public Works.
We also recently announced that Erie County reached an agreement with the Erie County Sheriff’s PBA Unit on a new contract. The agreement includes annual pay raises, payroll processing changes that will improve record-keeping efficiency and some other adjustments that union members will benefit from. The contract talks were respectful and productive thanks to the efforts of Erie County Labor Relations Commissioner Kola Jesutowo Adenji, Sheriff John Garcia and the Sheriff’s PBA negotiation team.
Erie County’s finances and corresponding credit rating remain strong and stable. The latest evidence of this was the recent reaffirmations of the county’s ‘AA’ rating and Stable Outlook from S& P Global and Kroll, two of the four ratings agencies that regularly review our bond ratings. Erie County has maintained an “AA, Stable Outlook” rating with S&P Global since August 2022, while the same rating has been maintained with Kroll since July 2023. This means we can consistently get better interest rates when borrowing money, which saves taxpayers millions of dollars so that we can allow for more infrastructure projects to commence. Improving our credit rating has been a focus of mine since I served as Erie County Comptroller and has continued over the past 15 years that I have served as County Executive. I’m proud that all of that hard work and attention to detail continues to pay off for us all as county residents.
Finally, Erie County’s suite at the new Highmark Stadium will benefit some worthy organizations that serve our community. Thanks to our Hospitality Center Access Policy, 10 nonprofits were selected to share five Bills home games, with three other games supporting regional economic development efforts. Congratulations once again to the winners and thanks to all of the local organizations who entered the lottery.