In the Caucus Meeting, members asked where the funds to pay the $6.5 million settlement in the Ortiz case came from. Administration and Finance Commissioner Raymour Nosworthy said that they found the extra money in the police, fire, and civilian department pension funds. When they do this, they issue what’s called a “certificate of necessity” to show where the money comes from and where it’s going. “It seems like a lot of money to be in an account,” said Council Member Rivera. “Did we know there was going to be a surplus in that account?” Commissioner Nosworthy explained that the city hadn’t been filling certain vacant positions, and this resulted in extra pension fund money.
 
In the Regular Meeting, members voted to support the creation of a circuit breaker law to protect low-income homeowners from unmanageable property tax increases. The council hasn’t passed the law yet; this is just the first step. The resolution asks the acting mayor to develop a law, and it instructs the council’s Finance Committee to look into other cities’ models. Once city officials decide on a model, they’ll need the state legislature to pass “enabling legislation” to let the city do it. The proposed circuit breaker law will be discussed in an upcoming Finance Committee meeting.
 
In May, the Investigative Post reported that the city will likely lose around $1.5 million in federal lead paint repair funds. The city hasn’t spent the money in time, so the federal government is clawing it back (see our press release for more information). The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) was responsible for spending the funds. The council requested that reps from BURA come speak to the Legislation Committee next week to explain what happened. They also invited reps from Erie County to the committee. Erie County receives the same lead remediation funds, but they’re able to spend the funds quickly. Having Erie County staff at the meeting will help council members understand how BURA can improve the city’s program.
 
The council also voted to approve a developer for the restoration of the dilapidated Central Terminal. The not-yet-finalized plans will include stabilizing the building and “a substantial housing component.”