BUFFALO, N.Y. — Members of the Buffalo Common Council passed Mayor Byron Brown's 2019 budget Tuesday by a vote of 8 to 1.

The half-a-billion-dollar spending plan features a slight tax hike and increase in fees for the first time in more than a decade, as well as $2 million in cuts. The council also entered an agreement with the city and its financial leaders to review the spending plan on a monthly basis.

Prior to the vote, council members had to close this year's $4.5 million budget gap, left from anticipated casino revenue the city has yet to receive. To make up the shortfall, the council took the money out of its parking ramp line and moved it into the general fund.

Councilman Richard Fontana was the only no vote. He says he and his constituents are more concerned about the city's financial future, and doesn't want to rely on dipping into the reserve account. 

"For me, and for residents, they don't think the revenues are going to match the expenses next year. And we're supposed to vote for a balanced budget. And my vote of ‘no’ essentially is saying I don't have too much confidence that this budget is going to be balanced throughout the year," said Fontana, (D) council member, Lovejoy District.

"The council is not thrilled that taxes are going up. It was the mayor's recommendation, it was the mayor's recommendation for the user fee to go up," said Darius Pridgen, (D) Buffalo Common Council president.

Pridgen says there are no cuts to the city's police or fire department.