The City of Buffalo is caught in the same squeeze as Niagara Falls and Salamanca in the fight between the state and the Seneca Nation over gaming rights but the situation is not as dire as in the other two cities thanks to a hefty surplus.
 
There are estimates that Buffalo is owed about $10 million in gaming revenue from the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, but Common Council President Rich Fontana said that the city is able to deal with the shortfall, at least for the time being, because of the city’s strong fund reserves.

“The city [Buffalo] has a surplus and the lack of payments from the casino won’t stop services,” Fontana told the Niagara Reporter.  “But it is money owed and money that has been anticipated, so we’re hopeful for a resolution so that we are not stuck in the middle.”

Fontana said it is his understanding that the Senecas have offered to pay the city directly, but that the ongoing dispute with the state apparently has blocked that course of action and for now, the impasse continues.

But while Buffalo has been able to weather the dispute without any interruption of services, Niagara Falls is struggling to meet its obligations and has used up its reserves as the stalemate has dragged on.  Fontana says he’s hoping that a resolution of the impasse over the payments to municipalities comes soon, not only for Buffalo’s sake but for Niagara Falls and Salamanca as well.

“Niagara Falls certainly needs that large sum ($58 million) that is owed and I hope they get it soon,” said the veteran Buffalo lawmaker.