Democracy In Albany

Albany County Finances

By DIA, Section News
Posted on Thu May 07, 2009 at 02:08:43 AM EST

I've been warning about the unavoidable financial disaster that Jennings has created in the city of Albany. For years. I've been right about that.

I haven't commented much on the county finances until more recently. Back in January I had this to say.

I think the county budget people might want to revise this prediction.
In summary, we anticipate that these changes will result in a modest increase in sales tax collections in 2009 relative to 2008 collections.

What a difference a few months makes.

A dramatic drop in consumer spending is prompting Albany County to look at deep cuts that could include layoffs, County Executive Michael Breslin said Wednesday.

With anxious consumers reluctant to spend, the county estimating a $12 million drop in sales tax revenue this year, Breslin said.

There is that revision I was advising. Reality is good at revising forecasts(Ask Jerry Jennings and Clough Harbor about their landfill forecasts if you need further proof).

"This is truly an emergency," Breslin said. "This is truly something that requires us to do business in a different way so we can live within the revenues that are available."

Truly an emergency. And the thing is, the county is much better off than the city. And there is only one person running for mayor addressing the issue. Corey Ellis. Perhaps that is why he was endorsed by Dominick Calsolaro who has been talking about these issues for years. Imagine having Calsolaro on the council with a mayor who would work with him on these issues? Mr. Breslin makes it clear we need to do business in a different way. This is an EMERGENCY. I'd give that some thought if I were you.

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