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Home > Leadership > Mayor > Archive Press Releases > 2007 Archives > September 2007 > Mayor Brown Submits Budget Modification to Support Police Officers' Wage

Mayor Brown Submits Budget Modification to Support Police Officers' Wage Increase

Source/Contact
Office of the Mayor
Peter K. Cutler
Director of Communications
716-851-4841

Action will result in immediate 3.4% salary increase 

BUFFALO – Mayor Byron W. Brown today submitted a budget modification to the Buffalo Common Council that will immediately increase City of Buffalo police officers’ base pay by 3.4%. 

“On May 8th, based on the continuing improvement of the City’s fiscal health, I called for the lifting of the Control Board-imposed wage freeze for all city employees,” said Mayor Brown. “On June 5th, the Control Board formally lifted the wage freeze, which provided for a one-step increase in city workers’ salaries. While I had advocated for full restoration of all steps missed by city workers during the three-year wage freeze, the State opined on June 11th that the lifting of the wage freeze applied only to a one-step increase. This budget modification will ultimately increase Buffalo police officers’ base pay by 3.4 % retroactive to July 1st and my Administration reaffirms its commitment to conduct contract negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association.”

In Mayor Brown’s recommended 2007-08 City Budget, which was approved by the Common Council on May 17th, he set aside $8.8 million dollars for negotiating labor contracts, which, combined with the City’s overall fiscal condition, would enable the lifting of the wage freeze on all city employees.

“When I delivered the City Budget on May 1st, I presented a fiscally conservative budget that included several long-term fiscal reforms, including my commitment to long-term budget planning by annually issuing a balanced four-year financial plan and the creation of a fund balance policy to ensure the City of Buffalo has sufficient financial reserves,” said Mayor Brown.  “It was precisely these actions and the city’s fiscal condition that allowed for the lifting of the wage freeze.”

Mayor Brown reiterated that the City of Buffalo is prepared to meet immediately with the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association representatives to continue negotiations on a new police contract.

“When I ran for Mayor, I stated that one of my top priorities was to lift the wage freeze on all city employees. I accomplished that goal,” stated Mayor Brown. “Now, my Administration’s intention is to aggressively negotiate and settle affordable contracts with all City bargaining units.  Our dedicated city workers, who have worked diligently and responsibly during the wage freeze, deserve nothing less.”