Buffalo's Budget Crisis: Mayor Scanlon Faces Tough Choices Ahead

A Looming Financial Storm Hits the Queen City

Buffalo Mayor Byron Scanlon sat down with BNN this week to address growing concerns over the city's projected budget deficit, estimated to reach tens of millions by next fiscal year. The mayor didn't mince words—hard decisions are coming, and no department will be immune from scrutiny.

Where Did the Money Go?

Scanlon pointed to three major factors draining city coffers:

• Pension obligations increasing by 12% year-over-year
• Public safety costs consuming 45% of the general fund
• Declining federal COVID relief with no replacement revenue streams

The Mayor's Proposed Solutions

While avoiding specifics, Scanlon outlined potential approaches:

1. A hiring freeze for non-essential positions
2. Renegotiating union contracts
3. Public-private partnerships for city services
4. Possible consolidation of departments

Residents Voice Concerns

At a recent town hall, Buffalo citizens expressed fears about service cuts. "They're talking about reducing snowplow routes when we had record snowfall last winter," said North Buffalo resident Maria Chen. Others worry about delayed infrastructure projects, including the much-needed repairs to the Skyway.

What Do You Think?

• Should Buffalo prioritize police funding over other services given rising crime rates?
• Would you support higher property taxes if it meant keeping libraries and rec centers open?
• Is it time to dissolve some city departments entirely—which ones would you cut first?
• Can public-private partnerships really maintain service quality, or is this just privatization by another name?
• Should the city dip into reserves now or save them for a potential deeper crisis?

BNN will continue tracking this developing story—check back for updates as the mayor prepares to present his formal budget proposal next month.