Council considers resolution backing Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority amid audit follow-up

A council member introduced a resolution to express council support for the Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority after publication of the auditor general’s audit and subsequent public comments by the county executive.

The introducing council member said auditors found no issues with gaming law compliance but that the audit showed the county owes money to the authority because of how gaming funds were allocated. She said the resolution was intended to thank authority staff for their work during the audit and to call for the county executive to “come into compliance with and true up, missing funds.” The presenter said, "The money that we owe them is not, like, an optional thing."

Another council member said the county was already aware of about half a million dollars in arrears and urged that the county pay the obligation rather than carry the debt into a future budget. A separate council member suggested that, if the authority’s appointments or performance became a concern, the council should address appointments through formal processes rather than publicly criticizing staff.

Council members debated language and solicitor-proposed amendments; the transcript shows members agreed to review both the original and solicitor-revised language before a follow-up meeting. The record reflects discussion and direction to reconcile language but does not show a final vote in the excerpt provided.