Southtowns Record

City Council minutes — March 16, 2026

Government
City of Lackawanna
Board
City Council
Meeting
Mar 16, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Budget and taxes, Audits and oversight, Parks and recreation, Public safety

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 2 of 6

This increased investment builds upon the progress made in the last two State Budgets and reflects a
continued recognition that New York’s strength begins in its cities and villages. While not every
community receives significant funding through this program, the inclusion – and now expansion – of
TMA sends a powerful message about the importance of a strong state-local partnership.

At the same time, this proposal is not yet final. As budget negotiations continue with key members of
the Senate and Assembly, it is critical that local officials make their voice heard to ensure:

  •  At least $150 million in TMA is included in the final adopted State budget; and
  •  The Governor and State Legislature develop a more permanent and predictable solution for
  unrestricted municipal aid.

I ask that your Honorable Body pass the attached Resolution.

ANNETTE IAFALLO, MAYOR

Moved by Marrano second by Anderson to receive and file, act on resolution.
Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Meegan, Marrano  Carried 4-0

  RESOLUTION #6, 2026

 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INCREASED AID TO MUNICIPALITIES AND STRENGTHENING NEW YORK’S
  STATE-LOCAL PARTNERSHIP

WHEREAS, Governor Kathy Hochul released her 30-day amendments to the Executive Budget, which
include an additional $100 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance (TMA) to be allocated in the same
manner as in the past two years; and

WHEREAS, these additional investments reflect a recognition that New York’s strength begins in its
cities, villages, and towns, and that a strong state-local partnership is essential to delivering the services,
infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life that residents expect and deserve; and

WHEREAS, local governments across New York continue to face mounting fiscal pressures driven by
inflation, increased service demands, infrastructure needs, and rising operational costs, while striving to
provide relief to taxpayers amid a rising cost of living; and

WHEREAS, NYCOM Executive Director Barbara Van Epps, along with mayors from across the State,
testified at the Local Government Joint Budget Hearing in Albany, advocating for increased unrestricted
aid and a strengthened state-local partnership; and

WHEREAS, the additional $100 million in TMA will offer meaningful assistance to many municipalities
statewide, helping to address fiscal challenges and maintain essential services for residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Lackawanna applauds Governor Hochul for
recognizing the importance of investing in local governments and for reaffirming her commitment to
strengthening New York’s cities and villages; and