Erie County residents urge state audit after controller flags budget irregularities

Dozens of residents told Erie County Council on April 8 that the county executive altered the 2025 budget without council approval and urged councilors to press the Pennsylvania Auditor General to audit county finances.

The comments followed release of a county controller report and a local news article alleging discrepancies in how the county’s gaming revenue and other funds were moved between accounts. Speakers repeatedly referenced a prior, unanimous February action asking the state auditor to review county accounts and called on council to follow through now.

Bridal Tepper, an Erie resident, said she was worried about what she called an "imaginary budget," telling councilors she wanted to be sure she would not face a higher or duplicate tax. "I don't want an imaginary budget. And I wanna be sure that I'm paying my taxes and I'm only gonna have to pay it once," Tepper said. Marcus Jacobs of Wesleyville said the controller's report showed why council must act. "That's what the controller's job is for," Jacobs said, and he reminded council members of their role as a check on the executive branch.

Speakers from across Erie County — including residents who identified themselves from Harbor Creek, Mill Creek, Washington Township and the city of Erie — cited the March 31 controller's report and local reporting and urged immediate action. Cole Shemley, speaking for the Erie chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Erie County United, said the matter should not wait until November or a court decision. "We cannot wait until November," Shemley said.

Several commenters cited a specific issue raised in coverage: that gaming-revenue funds intended to support the community college were moved into the general fund without council vote. Others raised related concerns about library leases and use of ARPA funds; one speaker questioned terms of a Gannon University lease referenced in public comments, saying it appeared to give the university long‑term control of waterfront space.

Council members responded that the body has not forgotten the issue. Chairman Scatella said staff and the county clerk would begin preparing the previously requested letter to the Pennsylvania Auditor General and that he planned to attach the controller's report and the news article. "The letter to the auditor general, we're gonna start working on tomorrow with the county clerk," Chairman Scatella said.

Councilman Horton noted that councilors had discussed pursuing audits before the 2025 budget process and said he would consider a council-funded audit if the state declined. "We have an obligation, to audit," Horton said, noting the size of the county budget and the need for oversight.

No formal vote on a new audit request occurred during the April 8 meeting; Scatella's comment indicates staff direction to begin drafting the letter and assembling supporting materials for submission to the Pennsylvania Auditor General. Several public commenters said they expect the council to follow up with the state office promptly.

The public-comment period on April 8 dominated the opening portion of the meeting; speakers repeatedly urged accountability and transparency and called for state intervention. Chairman Scatella closed the public‑comment segment and moved the meeting into routine business.