BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said Thursday on News 4's “Ask the Mayor” segment that raising taxes on residents is “possible” due to an increase in “all costs of government.” said.
When discussing snow removal, Brown said people want to clear more roads, driveways and sidewalks, which requires more contractors and equipment, and therefore costs more. said. But Brown clarified that the potential tax increase is not specific to snow removal.
“What I was trying to say is that all kinds of spending in city government is increasing,” he said. “We're seeing a number of other municipalities that have budgets that are earlier than the city proposing increases because the cost of goods and services is lower than the cost to the community. This is because it outweighs the revenue coming in.”
In recent months, the village of Kenmore and the town of Amherst each proposed and approved tax increases for residents.
'Premature' to discuss funding for proposed professional soccer stadium
Brown said it's “too early” to tell whether the city will be able to spend money on a proposed $15 million, 10,000-seat professional soccer stadium in Buffalo. The stadium will be home to a USL Championship men's team after a group led by soccer executive Peter Marlette Jr. acquired franchise expansion rights in Western New York.
Brown clarified that Marlette has not yet asked the city for funding for the project.
“Mr. Marlette approached the city and asked us to support the concept. We support the concept,” Brown said. “He didn't ask us for money. I think it's too early to talk about money and maybe he's not asking for money from the government and I hope that's the case. I love that deep-pocketed investors want to do something in the city of Buffalo.”
In an interview with News 4 WIVB in March, Marlette said he believed the stadium and club could be financed with “largely private funds,” but that the group would “consult with the governor's office, the mayor's office, public officials to get an accurate opinion.” We are meeting with everyone,” he said. discussion. ” In addition, the group still needs a principal owner and other funding to get the project off the ground.
Buffalo Pro Soccer Group plans to launch a USL Championship men's team in 2026 and a USL Super League Top League women's team shortly thereafter. Marlette said the location for the stadium has not yet been finalized, but a location has been identified.
You can watch Thursday's “Ask the Mayor” in its entirety above.
Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can read more about his work here.
