(Buffalo, NY, August 16, 2006) - - Who's paying the bills for Buffalo city parks? A county takeover of management was supposed to save taxpayers money. But News 4's Ellen Maxwell reports an audit reveals the consolidation is actually costing more.

Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz says running the City of Buffalo's parks is costing the county millions of dollars more than expected.

Poloncarz said, "The county's operation of the City of Buffalo parks is costing far more than the $1.8 million annual payment the county receives from the city."

But Erie County Attorney Larry Rubin says an audit revealing those numbers is simply pointing out problems in the first year of a 15-year deal.

Rubin said, "We ran into problems we think are significantly less than what the audit shows, and there is no allegation in the audit that these glitches were not cured."

Poloncarz said, "Operating the city's parks cost the county $1 million more than was budgeted for in 2005, and these structural deficits are expected to continue for the forseeable future."

Rubin says that's not true. He believes the problems are fixed already. And, he thinks it's important to remember what the county was trying to accomplish in 2004 when they made the agreement.

Rubin said, "2004 was the first year of the city control board. They were on the verge of bankruptcy. The county's management of the parks system has effectuated a $3 million savings for the City of Buffalo."

Rubin doesn't feel the first-year shortfall of $756,000 is indicative of what will happen for the life of the agreement.

Rubin said, "Those parks are open for the benefit of all county residents. It wasn't like the money went to Canada, or into Florida."

Poloncarz says he'd like to see the contract continue, but, if the parks budget shortfalls continue, the county should look into asking the city for more money in the agreement.

Copyright WIVB-TV, 2006