By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Common Council, in a seven to two vote, approved the 2004-2005 city budget late Friday night.
As part of the budget, the Council accepted a compromise city parks proposal. Under it, the city retains ownership of its parks, but Erie County will maintain and operate them. The 83 city parks workers will become employees of Erie County.
The Council-approved budget also restores jobs targeted for elimination in the city's seven senior citizen centers. It also funds the animal shelter's pet adoption program.
Separately Friday, it was announced by Mayor Masiello that city employee unions have agreed to a plan that will place most employees under a single health insurer, saving the city up to $11 million in the coming year. Because of those savings, the Council budget restores 65 jobs cuts proposed in the Mayor's budget.
The spending plan calls for a four percent increase in residential property taxes and a 20 percent increase in the garbage user fee.
The South District's James Griffin and the Ellicott District's Brian Davis cast the two no votes.
The budget must now be approved by the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, which is scheduled to meet on June 9th.