BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced his proposed budget Wednesday during his State of the City address.

Local leaders came together at Shea’s 710 Theatre, where Brown announced his proposed budget is nearly $618 million — 7.1%  higher than the current budget.

It includes a proposed 9% tax levy increase, which is the highest in Brown’s nearly two decades as mayor. He blamed economic issues including rising inflation, increases in health insurance costs, and New York State Pension and Capital debt, as well as emergency response.

"What used to be once-in-a-generation storms happen every year, adding a significant cost to the city budget," said Brown. "We must continue to invest in ourselves."

Brown said this increase would generate $14.3 million for the city that would be invested in services to the community.

Buffalo Common Council voted 6-3 on Tuesday in favor of overriding the state’s 2% tax cap, which could possibly make way for the tax increase.

If this 9% tax levy is implemented, the estimated tax bill for a home assessed at $100,000 is expected to rise by $78 annually, or $6.50 per month. Some Common Council members expressed their dissatisfaction in the short notice of the proposed hike. 

"We have to make sure we are providing city services,” said Chris Scanlon, Buffalo Common Council president. “Listen, I know no one likes to pay more in taxes. I can tell you as a legislator no one likes to increase anyone’s taxes, but at the end of the day we do have to pay for city services. That is the balancing act."

During the State of the City address, Brown also announced hundreds of millions of funds for infrastructure projects, snow-removal equipment and park improvements, as well as $1 million for a permanent memorial to honor those killed in the May 2022 mass shooting. In partnership with Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center, the city will also host a 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative, a public art project to commemorate those impacted by the shooting.