Comptroller Miller Williams 2025 Capital Bond Appeal Upheld
Buffalo, NY — City Comptroller Barbara Miller Williams announced today that the five judge panel of the Appellate Division in Rochester, New York has upheld the Stay of Enforcement associated with her October 24, 2025 Appeal of the Erie County Supreme Court ruling concerning the issuance and sale of the 2025 City of Buffalo Capital Bonds.
On October 31, 2025, the Acting Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon, and Filmore District Buffalo Common Council Member Mitchell P. Nowakowski filed a motion seeking to lift the Comptroller’s automatic Stay of Enforcement, which would have compelled her to issue bonds exceeding the City’s $28 million debt cap. The Appellate Division’s decision confirms that Comptroller Miller Williams is not required to issue these bonds at this time. The ruling also directs her Counsel, William F. Savino and Robert J. Marks of Woods Oviatt Gilman, to file her appellate brief by December 22, 2025, with oral arguments to be scheduled in February or March 2026.
“On behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of the City of Buffalo, I am pleased that the Stay of Enforcement has been upheld by the panel of justices from the Appellate Division in Rochester and the appeal remains in place,” stated Comptroller Miller Williams. “As Chief Fiscal Officer of the City of Buffalo, I did not appeal the Erie County Supreme Court’s decision lightly. However, the bond issuance outlined in the 2025 Capital Budget was financially irresponsible and posed a risk to the long-term fiscal stability of the City of Buffalo. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting the City’s current and future financial well-being.” As this matter is an active legal proceeding, the Comptroller will not provide additional comment at this time.
The Department of Audit and Control will continue to monitor the City’s financial performance and provide regular updates to the Administration, the Buffalo Common Council, the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, and the citizens and taxpayers.
