Amid Buffalo’s Financial Woes, Outside Legal Counsel Expenses Have Increased 760% in Five Years
The City of Buffalo is currently navigating a period of intense fiscal scrutiny as its expenditures for outside legal counsel reach unprecedented levels. Reporting for the Lake Erie Times, William Strasmore has tracked a staggering 760% increase in these costs over the last five years, a trend that has sparked heated debate within the Common Council.
During a recent session, lawmakers confronted Corporation Counsel Rosa Pizzi regarding the surge in spending. The local news landscape has been dominated by concerns over the city’s municipal budget, which is being drained by litigation costs at a time when resources are already spread thin across Western New York.
Tracking the Explosion in Legal Spending
The financial trajectory of Buffalo’s legal defense is stark. In 2020, the city’s spending on external attorneys sat at a relatively modest $194,000. By 2025, that figure had ballooned to more than $1.6 million. Current projections for 2026 suggest the trend is accelerating, with $1.3 million already expended this year alone.
| Fiscal Year | Outside Legal Expenditures |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $194,000 |
| 2025 | $1,600,000+ |
| 2026 (To Date) | $1,300,000 |
Key Drivers: Lawsuits and Community Litigation
According to Pizzi, the escalation is fueled primarily by a rise in complex legal actions. These include a surge in police-related lawsuits, bodily injury claims, and “Article 78” proceedings. The latter often involves community groups challenging Buffalo politics and Common Council decisions.
Finance Chair Mitch Nowakowski noted a frustrating irony in these legal battles: while community organizations often crowdfund their legal fees, the city’s defense is funded entirely by taxpayer dollars. Nowakowski argued that this cycle diverts vital funding away from community-strengthening initiatives and into courtroom battles.
The Debate Over Law Department Staffing
To mitigate the reliance on external firms, the Law Department plans to expand its internal team by hiring seven new attorneys over the next two fiscal years. However, this staffing surge has not eliminated the need for outside help. The city is currently facing the expiration of all eight union contracts covering Buffalo employees—a logistical hurdle that Pizzi argues requires “special circumstances” expertise.
Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart questioned the necessity of this dual approach. Specifically, she pointed to Pizzi’s own professional background in contractual law, asking why the city requires high-priced external consultants if the Law Department’s leadership already possesses that specific expertise. Pizzi maintained that while she will be active in negotiations, external counsel is necessary to meet the office’s broader goals effectively.
Scrutiny of the PBA Memorandum of Agreement
The discussion shifted to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city and the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), a deal negotiated by acting Mayor Chris Scanlon. Pizzi raised concerns regarding the enforceability of the agreement and whether it should have undergone review by the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority.
There is also a legal dispute over whether the MOA functions as a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Councilman Scanlon dismissed these concerns, pointing to a specific clause stating the document “shall not be construed” as a new CBA. Pizzi has committed to providing a comprehensive legal briefing to the Council on April 11 to address these complexities.
Looking Ahead: The Administration’s Stance
A spokesperson for the Ryan administration defended the use of outside counsel for the upcoming business of union negotiations. They emphasized that managing eight simultaneous contract expirations requires a coordinated, expert effort to protect Buffalo’s long-term financial stability. The administration contends that these upfront costs will ultimately secure fair, competitive, and fiscally responsible contracts for the city’s workforce.
About the Author: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for the Lake Erie Times, providing in-depth, impartial coverage of the regional dynamics and community affairs affecting Western New York. For more investigative reporting, visit William Strasmore’s author profile.
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