The Reader Beat: Update on ECGRA Audit
ECGRA receives money owed by the county following audit report
Following the Erie Gaming Revenue Authority's (ECGRA) successful audit by the Pennsylvania Auditor General. ECGRA Board Chairperson, Kelly Hess issued a statement, saying, "This audit is a powerful validation of ECGRA. The Auditor General's findings show not only that ECGRA has complied with the law, but that our process, rooted in transparency and excellence, goes beyond the letter of the law. The manner in which ECGRA – a public authority with a clear mission and unwavering commitment to transparency – has been treated is not appropriate."
The audit was prompted by the Davis administration, State Senator Dan Laughlin, and other members of the local state delegation. Following the audit report, Erie County Council passed a resolution acknowledging and supporting ECGRA.
However, Council Member Charlie Bayle voted against the resolution. Bayle explained his vote by arguing that the audit did not cover enough and should have investigated further back in time. "While I accept the auditors report, I would've liked to have seen it gone back and looked at some other things a little more thoroughly," Bayle said.
Vice Chairman Rock Copeland held opposing views. "Mr. Bayle's comments further the reason for me introducing this resolution," Copeland said. "I think it's quite impressive that after an exhaustive, exhaustive search of ECGRA's finances that they didn't find any problems and the only violation of gaming laws that they found was that the county owes ECGRA money." The county was ordered by the Auditor General to pay ECGRA $538,248 for the period of April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2024.
ECGRA's Executive Director Perry Wood stated that the money arrived through a check on June 25. "It's my hope that based on [Davis's] acceptance of the results that we can move forward and have a productive relationship like the one we have with County Council."
