The Rochester City Council has approved setting aside $500,000 for a study to explore replacing RG&E with a public electric and gas utility.
But Council President Miguel Meléndez says the City won't start the study on its own. The bill allows the City to partner with area counties for the study.
Meantime, the Council voted 5 to 4 to approve Mayor Malik Evans’ $675 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
The "no" votes were cast by councilmembers Martin, Peo, Smith and Vice President Lupien.
Lupien says the budget disproportionately invests in downtown areas, over needs and priorities in the neighborhoods.