In a brewing conflict over New York City’s budget, City Council Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) is critical of Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed budget cuts. Brannan suggests an alternative plan that involves tapping into the city’s financial reserves and seeking tax increases from Albany next year.

Amid Mayor Adams’ announcement of budget cuts to address the costs associated with asylum seekers and impending deficits, Brannan emphasizes the use of reserves, arguing that tax revenues may surpass the administration’s forecasts. The City Council is reportedly working on a package of “revenue raisers,” including potential tax increases that would require approval from state lawmakers. Brannan assures that property taxes and city worker layoffs are off the table.

The clash between Mayor Adams and the City Council is expected to take center stage on December 11 during a hearing on the mayor’s recent budget plan. Both Adams and Brannan agree on the need for additional funding from Albany and Washington to address the costs related to migrant shelters and other expenses.

However, Brannan, along with City Comptroller Brad Lander and fiscal experts, argues that the mayor’s focus on asylum costs overlooks other contributing factors to the city’s budget crisis. The depletion of federal COVID relief funds and short-term appropriations for programs like 3K education and housing vouchers have created a $7 billion gap in the 2025 budget, constituting about 6% of total spending.

Brannan contends that using reserves is a prudent measure for addressing temporary crises, but critics, including fiscal watchdog Citizens Budget Commission, caution against relying on reserves for recurring spending. The administration has historically avoided using reserves for such purposes.

In response to the budget challenges, Brannan predicts an additional $1 billion in tax revenue this year and emphasizes the city’s strong economy. While some suggest reconsidering taxes on the wealthy or implementing a mansion tax, others argue against revenue-raising proposals, attributing the budget crisis to excessive spending.

As the City Council prepares to make its list of “revenue enhancers” public, the key to bridging the gap between Mayor Adams and the Council may hinge on whether the city can indeed collect more tax revenue than currently forecasted, potentially reducing deficits and the need for spending cuts. The clash between differing budgetary approaches underscores the complexities of managing New York City’s finances in the face of evolving challenges.