After the Mayor of Buffalo announced that they are planning to increase property for only the 2nd time in almost the last two decades, the sure amount of money that is planned on being spent is sure to raise lots of questions.

During the State of the City address, Mayor Brown laid out the parameters of the tax increase and some new programs that the Buffalo looks to create and/or expand.

The State of our City is strong and I am convinced, now more than ever, we are ready to face the challenges ahead together.
-Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, New York

Some of those programs include expanding and consolidating youth education and employment programs, deploying and new improved snow-fighting equipment, and increasing the number of police officers and police detectives on the streets in an effort to reduce crime and violence in our neighborhoods. The budget also includes new initiatives on violence reduction programs, in addition to policing, along with new neighborhood improvements when it comes to infrastructure.

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We’ve raised the tax rate to pay for the new investments that we’re making to keep this city safe, strong and prosperous, investing money in employing and training our youth and residents, investing money in public safety to make our neighborhoods and businesses safer, investing money in our department of public works to better address snow removal, maintenance of vacant lots and maintenance of our streets and sidewalks, all things the public has said they want to see.
-Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, New York

But exactly how does the City plan to spend nearly $600 million of the people's money this year?

Here Are A Few Highlights From The 2022-2023 City of Buffalo's 381 Page Recommended Budget

Buffalo Police Department

Buffalo Police Car
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$90,714,289 - The Buffalo Police Department, and its 1,077 employees, represents the largest single departmental expense for the City's budget.

Buffalo Fire Department

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Google Maps Street View
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$71,029,517 - The BFD is the 2nd largest departmental expense for the City of Buffalo. In 2021 the Buffalo Fire Department and its 789 staff members resposed to more than 50,000 calls for service.

Buffalo Public Schools

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Google Maps
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$70,822,758 - The City of Buffalo general budget allocates these funds to the Buffalo Public School system. The BPS estimated budget this year is over $1 billion, to this $70 million payment only accounts for approxmately 7% of the school systems budget.

Long Term Debt Payments

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Getty Images
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$34,194,693 - The City of Buffalo has approxmately $163 million in long term debt obligations that need to be repaid over time and this is the amount that officials plan to pay this year on that debt.

Streets, Sanitation, and Snow Removal

William Thomas Cain / Getty Images
William Thomas Cain / Getty Images
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$11,487,458 - With 346 employees on staff, the Streets department is responsible for collecting trash and recycling and clearing snow in the winter.

Road Repairs

Potholes In The Roads Surrounding Glasgow
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$725,668 - City officials are planning to spend just under 3/4 of a million on road repairs in the comming year, which includes potholes. It's interesting to note that the city has already spent $1,821,414 on road repairs in 2022.

New Vehicles

Blizzard Barrels Into Northeastern U.S.
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$3,695,500 - In addition to the funds already allcoated for the various departments, the City plans to spend additional funds for new vehicles for the Police Department, Streets Departments, and more.

You can get a full breakdown of the City's Recommended Budget here.

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