2004 Goals, Objectives and Strategies
County Finances

Goal: Maintain and enhance to fiscal stability of Erie County government with balanced budgets and actions which protect the County's fiscal integrity, and fight for Erie County's fair share of State budget resources.
Objectives
Reduce Spending
Increase Productivity
Control Debt Service Costs
Lobby for State Funding that is Consistent with State Mandates
1. Minimize discretionary-type spending 2. Improve productivity of County programs and their employees 3. Control current and future debt service costs. 4. Ensure State is a full partner in the funding of mandated services.
Budget and Other Initiatives
a. Consolidate service delivery with other levels of government to provide better service to taxpayers.

b. Maintain vacancy control program to reduce payroll cost and control County workforce through attrition.

c . Conduct professional reviews to determine how County costs can be lowered in the purchase of products and services.

d. Require cost/benefit analysis of capital improvement projects to enhance consideration of operation and maintenance costs implications.

 a. Create "Best Practices" information technology standards that will increase the productivity of County Government.

b. Consolidate the accounting, accounts payable and payroll functions when new software (SAP) project is implemented.

c. Through direct County Executive Office Intervention, encourage full departmental implementation of Continuous Improvement of Services projects that are designed to strengthen the quality of County services and meet new service demands.

 a. Establish a six-year capital program which prioritizes projects to ensure that the utilization of capital dollars enhances job growth and the quality of life for all taxpayers. a. Analyze impacts of annual New York State Budget.

b. Develop and push for key State legislative program initiatives sought by Erie County. Currently, medicaid relief is our main priority.

c. Implement mid-year budget correction strategies to reduce operating costs and ensure a balanced budget despite any State reimbursement losses.

d. Formulate a targeted lobbying campaign to restore any reduced State funding to the County.