It would be an understatement to say that members of the City Council returned from their lobby in Albany Monday feeling concerned.

Last week's brazen "We'll get it back!" Has been replaced with the grudging realization that the city will need to start planning for a $1.8 million shortfall in projected revenue for 2009. That's a sizable gap in city funding.

I would suspect that tomorrow's City Council meeting will be interesting. Despite some cause for concern, the City Council will make a second trip to Albany tomorrow to hold a press conference to discuss the city's plight. Also attending will be representatives from other communities hosting VLTs, who also stand to loose 50% of their VLT aid. We'll see if anything comes of it.

And, on top of it all, the city will be opening proposals to develop the High Rock parking lot into a police station and parking later this week. It will be an interesting week in city government, to be sure.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

*When:* Tuesday, November 18, 2008
3:30pm

*Where:* State Capitol East Steps, Albany, New York

*What:* Leaders of VLT Host Municipalities will join together in denouncing Governor Paterson’s proposed 50% reduction in VLT revenue distribution for the 2009-2010 budget. At this time, host municipalities and counties have confirmed attendance for four of the seven race tracks. A complete list of leaders in attendance will be available at the press conference.