BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz unveiled a $2.4 billion proposed budget Thursday for 2027 as federal funding changes force counties across New York to absorb millions of dollars in additional expenses.
The proposed spending plan totals $2.408 billion, a 5.5% increase over the county’s 2026 budget. While the county’s property tax rate would decrease from $3.09 to $3.01 per $1,000 of assessed value, the overall property tax levy would increase by 3.6%, or $12.7 million.
“The 2027 budget is very tight,” Poloncarz said. “It’s a balanced budget. It’s a fair budget. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles.”
County Budget Director Mark Cornell said the spending plan includes approximately $42 million in reductions from departmental funding requests as officials work to balance rising costs.
Much of the financial pressure comes from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2025.
The legislation reduced the federal government’s share of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administrative costs from 50% to 25% beginning Oct. 1. Under New York’s existing funding structure, counties are responsible for the remaining 75%.
Erie County estimates the change will result in $10.2 million in lost federal reimbursement in 2027. Additional employment and training expenses are expected to cost another $3.6 million, bringing the total financial impact to approximately $13.8 million.
The county’s proposed budget includes no new programs or services beyond the anticipated opening of Willowdale Park in 2027.
Poloncarz previously told Spectrum News that the financial burden extends well beyond Erie County.
“It’s having a huge ramification. And it’s not just Erie County. Every county is dealing with this,” Poloncarz said during an earlier interview.
Another potential financial burden could arrive in October 2027, when changes to SNAP benefit funding take effect. Erie County estimates those changes could cost approximately $55 million annually if New York state passes the additional expenses on to counties.
The financial pressure is also being felt in the Capital Region.
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy unveiled a $950 million proposed budget Monday, citing a $22.69 million increase in unfunded state and federal mandates.
McCoy estimates federal SNAP changes will cost Albany County an additional $3 million annually in administrative expenses. His proposal includes using county reserves to help balance the budget while preserving existing programs and services.
McCoy has criticized state lawmakers for failing to provide greater financial relief to counties facing additional mandated expenses.
When asked Thursday whether he shared McCoy’s frustration, Poloncarz acknowledged the financial challenges but stopped short of joining the criticism.
“Well, we all counties are feeling the pinch associated with mandates from the federal government and state government,” Poloncarz said. “I know Dan was pretty upset about it. I think we can all agree that, mandates are tough to manage with counties. But the state has helped us in other areas as well. So, I will not necessarily join his, critique.”
The New York State Association of Counties has also raised concerns about the financial impact of the federal changes.
Steven Acquario, the association’s executive director, told Spectrum News that counties are facing approximately $170 million in additional annual SNAP administrative costs statewide.
“That’s a real hardship on local governments charged with helping provide food to those in need,” Acquario said.
He warned that counties may have to reduce discretionary spending while remaining within New York’s property tax cap.
“That is a very difficult thing to do to stay under this property tax cap, which means we have to cut programs and services, pave less roads and bridges,” Acquario said.
The association has asked the state to help offset the additional administrative expenses and protect counties from potential future SNAP benefit costs.
Acquario said the organization has been communicating with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration, state budget officials and legislative leaders.
“There have been no commitments made by the governor, by the budget director of the state of New York,” Acquario said during the interview.
He said the association is also seeking a two-year federal delay to allow New York to improve its eligibility verification systems and reduce the risk of future penalties.
Meanwhile, Poloncarz said Erie County will continue discussions with state officials as they prepare for the next state budget cycle.
“We certainly hope the state will not pass on additional costs with Medicaid associated with the big ugly bill,” Poloncarz said.
Asked whether residents could face higher taxes or reduced services if additional costs are passed down in the future, Poloncarz said the county would have to reassess its options.
“Everything would be on the table for 2028? We just have to wait and see.”
Despite the financial challenges, the proposed Erie County budget includes $15 million in hotel tax revenue for tourism promotion and convention center needs, along with $8.5 million in operating support for more than 110 cultural organizations.
Although the county’s proposed property tax rate would decrease, the overall levy would increase. Poloncarz said homeowners whose assessments remain unchanged could see lower county property taxes, while those with higher assessments could still pay more.
The Erie County Legislature is expected to hold budget hearings in November before considering the spending plan in early December.