The Buffalo City Common Council's Finance Committee meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on pressing financial issues, particularly concerning deferred maintenance and upcoming rate increases for sewer services.

Committee members discussed the long-standing problem of deferred maintenance within the city's infrastructure, which has led to significant financial challenges. It was noted that the city had previously benefited from a reserve fund, which has now been depleted. The committee highlighted that the city had not raised rates for several years, contributing to the current financial strain.

A key point of discussion was the projected increase in debt service costs, expected to rise by $3 million this fiscal year. This increase is attributed to necessary projects that have been mandated but delayed due to past financial decisions. The committee acknowledged the need for maintenance to prevent further deterioration of the city's systems.

For the current fiscal year, a 3% increase in sewer rents based on water usage was announced, translating to an approximate $2 increase per quarter for most ratepayers. Additionally, the levy of sewer rents based on assessed property values will rise from $24.9 million to $29.9 million due to a citywide reassessment. However, the rate per $1,000 of assessed value will decrease from $1.99 to $1.29, meaning some homeowners may see a reduction in their sewer rent despite the overall increase in revenue.

The committee expressed concern over the implications of deferred maintenance and the necessity of making difficult financial decisions sooner rather than later. The burden of these decisions will ultimately fall on the ratepayers and taxpayers of Buffalo, as the city navigates its fiscal realities. The discussions underscored the importance of proactive financial management to avoid larger increases in the future.