Shorthanded Buffalo Control Board Still Conducting Business

By Joyce Kryszak

Buffalo, NY – Despite two recent resignations, the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority mustered a quorum Wednesday to vote on crucial city financial business.

It was the first board meeting since Chairman Brian Lipke and board member Bob Wilmers stepped down last month. Six remaining members attended and were led by Vice Chair Alair Townsend. The board approved two major financial plans. A 22 point five million dollar urban renewal budget. And a nearly two hundred million bond for the school reconstruction project. But other key issues remain. Although not on yesterday's agenda, Mayor Byron Brown says he will ask for approval of raises for all police officers. [Cart No: BB04.wav Time: 20s Title: Byron Brown Out-cue: wage freeze] Brown could have requested the increase - or the full ten point two percent pay hike - two months ago when the wage freeze was lifted. But Brown says it was delayed in hopes that a new contract would also be ratified. [Cart No: brown.wav Time: 23s Title: brown Out-cue: ] Brown expects to present the proposed increase to the Common Council and the control board in September.

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