(Erie County, NY, February 12, 2006) - - Erie County's fiscal watchdog is going to the people, breaking down the county's budget situation and County Executive Giambra's four year plan. So what answers does comptroller Mark Poloncarz have for taxpayers? It's a question that News 4 is Asking 4 You.

Erie County's Fiscal watchdog is trying to keep taxpayers informed on the county's monetary state of affairs, presenting residents at the Orchard Park Town Hall with an explaination of Erie County's financial situation, from how they got there to what needs to be done to get back on track.

Taxpayers came armed with questions for Comptroller Mark Poloncarz. Marty Brownsey from West Seneca believes despite the over 100 million dollar cuts in spending, Erie County could still stand to cut. Marty Brownsey: "Esspecially the retirement benefits are something we can't afford as a society anymore."

John Mills: "I think there's still too much fat in the budget."

Legislator John Mills says they'll have to start thinking about cutting 52 million dollars now that the county has agreed to share 12 and a half million with cities, towns and villages next year, creating an even bigger gap. John Mills: "So i think 52 million it's there, we have to look at it and re-strucature county governement."

Michelle Iannello agrees, she also held an open town hall meeting to hear what her consitiuents are saying and many are asking for more cuts. Michelle Iannello: "I truly believe that the government is too top heavy and we need to start looking at the top down instead of from the bottem up."

On Tuesday, legislators are taking that vote to renew a penny on the sales tax for this year. News 4 will be there Tuesday when lawmakers meet and vote.

Copyright WIVB-TV, 2006