When the County Executive, or a department head, needs legislative approval for some action which is required for the proper functioning of county government, be it the approval of the annual budget or the change in the title of a county job, a letter is sent to the legislature, often accompanied by additional information which can be used by the legislators in making a decision on the matter. Likewise, private citizens or organizations, other government and business concerns also send communications to the legislature asking that action be taken on some matter. Communications from county officials and others oftentimes do not request any specific action and are sent to the legislature to provide information or opinions on issues of concern to the legislative body. A legislator may submit items for consideration by his or her colleagues. Usually such items come in the form of a resolution which briefly outlines an issues and suggests action which can be taken.
Resolutions cover a wide range of subject areas.
A less frequent means of legislative action is the Local Law, which is required for major policy decisions such as the creation or elimination of a department or other changes in the County Charter and Administrative Code, the basic legal documents of Erie County government. A communication, resolution or Local Law is officially received by the legislature in the Office of the Clerk. All items which are received are put on the agenda for the next meeting of the Legislature. Items which are received later may be added to the agenda only with the unanimous approval of the legislators. Preceding full legislative meetings, each party holds a caucus to review agenda items.