Tonawanda officials warn of roughly $3 million shortfall as budget options include cuts or tax changes City officials at a March 24 special meeting flagged a projected multimillion-dollar hole in the 2026 budget, debating service cuts, privatizing sanitation with a user fee and whether to pursue a local law to exceed the tax cap.

City of Tonawanda is staring down a $3 million budget shortfall, forcing tough decisions on service cuts or tax hikes that could impact residents significantly.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityServices #FiscalResponsibility #TonawandaBudget

Tonawanda housing authority outlines $100M‑plus redevelopment and seeks pilot resolution Housing authority representatives briefed council on Phase 2 of a Hillview/Gibson/Hyde Street redevelopment project, saying Phase 1 senior housing should be ready next April and that combined portfolio investment exceeds $100,000,000; they asked council to pass a pilot resolution to align with Erie County affordable housing policy.

The Tonawanda housing authority is set to transform the community with a groundbreaking $100M redevelopment plan that promises no displacement for current residents!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #TenantProtection #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment

Tonawanda council tables fire‑company stipend amid heated debate over receipts and oversight Council members and volunteer fire company representatives clashed over a historical $7,500 annual stipend for volunteer companies, with some members urging safeguards and receipt reporting while supporters called the payment essential for recruiting volunteers; three related resolutions were tabled for further review.

Tonawanda's council is at a crossroads, debating the future of a vital $7,500 stipend for volunteer fire companies amid calls for greater transparency and accountability.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #TonawandaVolunteers #PublicSafety

Tonawanda council tables agreements with volunteer fire companies amid accountability concerns After councilmembers raised questions about police cooperation and accounting for funds provided to volunteer fire companies, the council voted to table multiple resolutions authorizing agreements with National Hose, Delaware Hose, Niagara Hose and others until written reports and clearer accountability mechanisms are provided.

Tonawanda's Common Council has hit the brakes on funding agreements with local volunteer fire companies amid serious accountability concerns and missing funds.

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Papi Grande's seeks waterfront lease, says it will pay utilities and seek letter of intent Owners of Papi Grande's presented a plan to place a container-style food-and-beverage operation near the band shell, asking the council for a letter of intent to begin the liquor-license process and suggesting multi-year lease terms; council members asked for contract language and an exit clause.

Papi Grande's is setting the stage for a vibrant waterfront experience, proposing a family-friendly food and beverage operation complete with picnic seating and a fenced area for alcohol service!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #LocalBusinessSupport #CommunityEngagement

Canal Fest organizers ask Tonawanda council to restore rides, return to longer festival to help nonprofits Canal Fest representatives told the council the event drew 100,000+ visitors but attendance and nonprofit revenue fell after rides moved; they requested council support to return rides to Tonawanda and asked the mayor to provide a police/DPW/fire cost estimate so the festival can decide whether to stay or move.

Canal Fest is urging the Tonawanda council to bring back carnival rides and extend the festival to save local nonprofits from declining attendance and revenue.

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Tonawanda council confirms Mark Saltarelli as city attorney at $105,000, strips automatic deputy-appointment language The Tonawanda Common Council voted to confirm Mark Saltarelli as city attorney at an annual salary of $105,000 and removed a provision that could have committed the city to a deputy attorney salary; council members said the hire will save the city an estimated $32,000 immediately by shifting health‑care costs off the city.

The Tonawanda Common Council has just confirmed Mark Saltarelli as city attorney, a move expected to save taxpayers $32,000 immediately by eliminating health care costs!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #BudgetTransparency #LocalGovernance #TonawandaCityAttorney #CitizenPortal

Tonawanda council authorizes sale of 1.4-acre Spalding Commerce Park parcel for $42,000 The Tonawanda Common Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor John White to execute closing documents for the sale of a 1.4-acre parcel in Spalding Commerce Park to Custom Millwork Supply for $42,000, contingent on city attorney approval and expected to be executed by Dec. 31.

The Tonawanda Common Council just greenlit a $42,000 deal to sell 1.4 acres in Spalding Commerce Park, paving the way for redevelopment and revenue growth!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #EconomicDevelopment #UrbanRedevelopment #BrownfieldRehabilitation #CitizenPortal

DEC presents deer‑management options; residents press council for data and action A Region 9 DEC big‑game biologist briefed the council on deer biology and management tools — from education and exclusion to hunting‑season adjustments and deer‑management permits ('bait‑and‑shoot' or sharpshooting) — while residents reported extensive yard damage and asked the city for collision and complaint data.

Residents are demanding action as a DEC biologist reveals critical management strategies for the overwhelming white-tailed deer population wreaking havoc in their yards and streets.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TonawandaDeerManagement

Auditors present draft 'unmodified' opinion; city fund balance bolstered by one‑time federal aid Drescher & Malecki presented the draft 2024 audit to the Tonawanda Common Council, reporting a roughly $1.7 million increase in the general fund — about $1.2 million of which the firm said came from one‑time ARPA revenue — and recommended operational improvements in the treasurer's office.

Tonawanda's finances are on the rise, but will one-time federal aid keep them afloat in the long run?

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #BudgetManagement #FiscalTransparency #TonawandaCommonCouncil #OperationalImprovements

Tonawanda schedules Oct. 28 public hearing on 2026 budget; mayor cites 2% increase and 32% fund balance The Tonawanda Common Council voted to set a public hearing for Oct. 28 on the mayor's proposed 2026 operating budget. Mayor (name not specified) outlined a modest 2% increase and said the city's general fund balance is at about 32 percent; councilors set the hearing and approved a set of routine resolutions by roll call.

The City of Tonawanda is gearing up for a pivotal public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget, featuring a modest 2% increase and a robust 32% fund balance!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PublicEngagement #CivicAccountability #TonawandaBudget

Common Council Approves Resolutions on Meeting Minutes and Bills Council adopts minutes and bills during public comment session without opposition.

The Tonawanda Common Council swiftly approved key resolutions impacting local governance, but what’s next for the community?

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Tonawanda Council Approves Stipend for Public Works Superintendent and New Fire Chief Appointment Common council supports budget items and events amid leadership changes in Tonawanda.

Tonawanda's Common Council just made waves with the appointment of a new fire chief and exciting community events lined up for the fall!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LocalEvents #TonawandaCommunity #CommunityEngagement

Tonawanda City Council addresses audio issues and highlights community contributions Council members discuss improving transparency, audio clarity, and recognize local achievements.

Residents of Tonawanda passionately demand better communication and transparency from their city council, sparking a vibrant discussion about the future of their community.

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Mayor Announces Traffic Safety Improvements and Honors Veteran Matthew Wark City officials detail safety measures and recognize veteran during council meeting.

Tonawanda's recent council meeting unveiled transformative infrastructure upgrades, vital safety measures, and a heartfelt tribute to local hero Lieutenant Matt Wark.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements #CommunityEngagement

Community Leaders Praise Youth Board Initiatives and Support Local Investments Council members commend youth board efforts and discuss community investments at recent meeting.

Tonawanda's recent council meeting sparked excitement as leaders rallied support for youth initiatives and celebrated community investments that promise to transform the city.

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City Council Addresses Youth Programs and Event Participation Amid Communication Issues Council members discuss community events, youth programs, and communication challenges during meetings.

The Tonawanda Common Council is tackling crucial issues impacting youth engagement and community events, but is facing communication hurdles that could hinder progress.

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Tonawanda Council encourages residents to report issues while celebrating community events Council members urge residents to contact them with concerns while highlighting upcoming Juneteenth event.

Tonawanda's Common Council Meeting buzzed with optimism as officials urged residents to voice their concerns while celebrating community spirit and upcoming summer events.

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Mayor White highlights Tonawanda's beautification successes and honors local business leader Mayor White presents beautification initiatives and recognizes Timothy Weibel for contributions.

Mayor White unveiled exciting beautification plans for Tonawanda, fueled by community spirit and a $10 million grant to revitalize the downtown area!

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #CityRevitalization #TonawandaCommunity #CommunityBeautification #LocalBusinessSupport

City of Tonawanda discusses Harriet Tubman proposed byway and traffic safety measures Council members review Harriet Tubman byway plans and address traffic safety concerns for residents.

Tonawanda's recent council meeting spotlighted urgent issues from deer overpopulation wreaking havoc on properties to an inspiring new byway honoring Harriet Tubman that could reshape local tourism.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TrafficEnforcement

Mayor acknowledges food donations and honors veterans at city meeting Mayor thanks veterans and discusses food donations to local food bank during meeting.

The Tonawanda Common Council meeting not only honored local veterans but also spotlighted the vital role of deer hunting donations in supporting community food banks.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #CommunitySupport #FoodSecurity #TonawandaVeterans

Tonno High School honors veteran James Paul Tsaribi for his military service Tonno High School acknowledges James Paul Tsaribi's service and military honors.

The Tonawanda Common Council paid a heartfelt tribute to local hero James Paul Tsaribi, honoring his bravery and sacrifices in the Vietnam War with plans for a permanent display to celebrate his legacy.

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Residents urge Tonawanda Council to address sidewalk repairs and deer population concerns Community members highlight sidewalk safety issues and deer overpopulation during council meeting.

Tonawanda residents are raising urgent concerns about unsafe sidewalks and a growing deer population, demanding action from their local council for a healthier, safer community.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #PublicSafety #CommunityHealth

City Council honors Vietnam veteran Mark Edward Vanderheide for his service Council presents awards to honor veteran Mark Edward Vanderheide for his military valor.

Tonawanda honors a fallen hero, Vietnam veteran Mark Edward Vanderheide, with a heartfelt tribute that celebrates his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

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#TonawandaErieCounty #NY #TonawandaVeterans #CommunityRemembrance #CivicAppreciation #CitizenPortal #MilitaryHeroes