With the end of 2023 quickly approaching, many people and organizations are preparing for 2024. Among those groups that are preparing for the new year is Erie County.

The County Administration and County Legislature are currently debating next year's budget, and there are some interesting things in the initial 701-page budget that the Erie County Executive has proposed.

With the proposed budget, the county is looking to fund several services. Some of those things include youth education and employment programs, snow-fighting equipment for county roads, and police services through the Erie County Sheriff's Office to help reduce crime and violence in towns and villages that are served by the county.

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Working together we've created a stronger Erie County with a growing population, the lowest unemployment and tax rates ever, and continued investments in our roads, parks, and law enforcement.
-Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive

But exactly how does the New York State's 8th largest county plan to spend more than $1.9 billion of your money next year?

Here Are A Few Highlights From Erie County's Proposed 2024 Budget

Erie County Sheriff's Office

$185,489,822 - The ECSO is receiving a more than $31 million increase compared to the 2023 budget.

Highmark Stadium Maintenance

$3,147,784 - Erie County owns the current NFL stadium where the Buffalo Bills play, and as with all landlords, Erie County is also responsible for keeping the stadium maintained.

Arts and Cultural Agencies

$7,596,221 - The County provides a fair amount of taxpayer dollars to various organizations serving the region's people. Organizations like the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Hamburg Natural History Society, Amherst Male Glee Club, and other groups are all supported by your taxes.

Long-Term Debt Payments

$38,737,012 - The County has more than $225 million in long-term debt obligations that need to be repaid over time, and this is the amount that officials plan to pay in principal and interest payments on that debt this year.

Social Services

$735,288,762 - This is by far the county's largest expense; taking care of the needs of the people of the country costs nearly $1 billion alone.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

$33,105,584 - What's more important to a community than its library and getting access to books and technology? Libraries are a vital part of our region.

You can get a full breakdown of the County's Proposed Budget here.