WBFO 88.7

Poloncarz Launches ECMC Audit, Issues Report on Sales Tax Sharing

LISTEN HERE

Joyce Kryszak

BUFFALO, NY (2007-09-05): Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz says he will look at possible conflicts of interest as part of an audit he's begun of the Erie County Medical Center.

The comptroller notified hospital officials last week that a compliance audit is under way. Poloncarz says his office will review the 2004 agreement that established the hospital as a public benefit corporation. They will be checking to see if the hospital is meeting its obligations to the county. Under review will be everything from capital expenditures to money spent on advertising.

ECMC officials say they welcome the review. In a written statement, C-E-O Michael Young cited the non-political nature of the audit and says it will help them make the hospital even better. The county has an ongoing dispute with the hospital over subsidies and certain reimbursements. But Poloncarz says any legal matters will be kept confidential.

Meanwhile, Poloncarz Tuesday also warned against any additional sales tax revenue sharing with municipalities. The county shares roughly half its collections.

Poloncarz says there should at least be a cap on sharing - and a review of the 1977 sharing formula.

Click the "listen" icon above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.