NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. --- A spending freeze proposed by Council Chairman Sam Fruscione passed 4 to 1 at a council meeting Monday night.

"We're doing this to prevent tax increases and layoffs, that's our main goal as a council," Fruscione said.

The freeze means the council now has full control over the Dyster administration's spending in the wake of an on-going dispute between the state and the Seneca Nation.

Councilwoman Kristen Grandinetti, the only negative vote, said she supported a freeze but was concerned by the resolution's language.

"It looks like we're starting an in-struggle. I think that's absolutely the wrong message to send to the Seneca Nation and to the State of New York," Grandinetti explained.

Also a concern to Grandinetti, council members voting down several resolutions including repairing a fence outside the city's municipal building.

"That's how things begin to deteriorate. Everything needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis," she said.

During a work session prior to the meeting, Fruscione said the council discussed sending delegation of six to Albany that included two council members and four local business leaders --- on their own dime.

He said the delegation will work with Senator George Maziarz to secure a meeting with Governor Cuomo, who he said needs to make the issue more of a priority.

"It’s a state issue. The ball is in the state's court, the governor is the boss."

The city faces a $21 million deficit if casino revenues aren't received by the end of the year.

Fruscione said the delegation could travel to Albany sometime within the next several weeks.