Soon economic relief for Erie County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Economic relief will soon be flowing into Erie County, courtesy of the Federal government.

"I'm trying to contact everybody. I'm trying to keep these kids off the street," said Block Club President Tami Whitt.

Block club leaders and Buffalo homeowners came to the town hall meeting to find out more about the state of Erie County.

Richard Franks from the Crossman Avenue Block Club said, "It explained to me how money is being spent and how our debt is."

County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz was there to tell them that Erie County is weathering the economic storm, but will be getting help from the federal government. 42 million in Medicaid relief this year.

"That is a question as to how that money is going to be spent. The County Executive says he doesn't want to spend a penny of it, he wants to put some aside, I agree. We do have to put some aside to cover our shortfalls and sales taxes," said Poloncarz.

But Poloncarz said, the county shouldn't create what he calls a fake surplus. "The president has come out and said this money is to be spent, not to go into fund balances and piggy banks."

A spokesperson for Chris Collins said that the money is earmarked for two years only, and he questions if the money is spent on programs and initiatives, what happens to them when the money dries up? The County Executive said it's not fiscally responsible to spend what he considers a short term gift from Washington.

As for Erie County residents, you should start seeing progress on some much needed projects.

"I should get the $103 million that will be used for projects on the book, but other projects that are still needed could be paid out of stimulus funds," said Poloncarz.

That money is for the current fiscal year. 25 million of it is already spent.