A bipartisan group of town supervisors in Western New York held a virtual press conference to push for federal stimulus funds as soon as possible.

"I don't like being in the crosshairs between Democrats and Republicans," Evans Town Supervisor Mary Hosler said. "This is a non-political issue as far as I'm concerned."

In Evans, Lancaster and Grand Island, they're all dealing with similar issues, a significant reduction of revenue from sales tax and local fees. The supervisors said they've saved money by eliminating part-time and seasonal positions but are attempting to keep full-time workers on the payroll.

"We're going to continue to do this," Lancaster Supervisor Ron Ruffino said. "We're going to continue to do these press conferences and we're going to seek money that we feel we well deserve as well."

While the City of Niagara Falls is facing some similar issues, there are others that differentiate it. Its economy is heavily reliant on tourism and trade across the Canadian border.

"There are a number of things that put Niagara Falls in a unique situation," Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said.

The city is predicting a budget deficit of between $4-5 million. Restaino is also keeping a close eye on traditional aid from the state as well as funds the state gives connected to Seneca casino revenue. He said the city has avoided layoffs so far, but will be having conversations with the unions about where it could find savings.

"You have to be careful that certain personnel reductions don't create a higher expense on the overtime side," Restaino said.

He said keeping people on the job could depend on how quickly the government gets a cash infusion, as well as other factors like how soon the border reopens.

Local leaders agree the funding should come directly to the municipalities.

"A direct infusion would allow us to be able to manage our expenses at a time that's appropriate for us," Restaino said.