Buffalo Comptroller Appeals Court Bond Ruling, Delays $110M Capital Funding

Buffalo City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams is appealing a recent court ruling that orders her to issue bonds for the city's full $110 million capital budget, a decision she argues threatens the city's long-term fiscal health and sets a risky precedent. The Erie County Supreme Court had ruled that the Buffalo Common Council, not the comptroller, holds the authority to approve funding, and deemed her refusal to finance the projects a "dereliction of duty." Miller-Williams maintains her appeal is about protecting fiscal responsibility and independent oversight for future generations, emphasizing that the city charter does not explicitly require her to issue bonds beyond a $28 million cap she set. Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon criticizes her stance as irresponsible and negligent, supporting the court's decision and accusing the comptroller of undermining the city's financial stability. The dispute highlights a significant clash over financial control and accountability within Buffalo's city government, with Miller-Williams prepared to escalate the matter to the Appellate Division. This legal battle underscores tensions between elected officials over governance and the management of public funds in Buffalo.