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Comptroller Mychajliw Advises Taxpayers to be wary of Price Gouging


ERIE COUNTY COMPTROLLER STEFAN I. MYCHAJLIW

ISSUES WARNINGS TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS

Local Municipalities Should Track Spending Now and Price Gougers Beware!

(Buffalo, New York) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw braved the elements and made it into work, walking part of the way, to issue two very important warnings.  First, the Comptroller wanted to sternly warn anyone that might think a storm emergency is an opportunity to make a quick buck off of those suffering its effects that they should think again.  “Erie County is an extension of the City of Good Neighbors.  We will work together to get through this snow emergency, but what we can’t let stand in the way is dishonest folks trying to make a buck off those who are left desperate because of the storm,” said Mychajliw. 

Comptroller Mychajliw urged anyone who thinks they may be the victim of storm related price gouging to report it to his office by e-mail to, comptroller@erie.gov or by calling the Comptroller’s Confidential Whistleblower Tip Line for Waste Fraud and Abuse at (716) 858-7722. 

“Taxpayers have my assurance that I will work with the Office of the New York State Attorney General to aggressively pursue any individual or business that attempts to gouge folks on services that are needed during this storm,” said Mychajliw.  Specifically taxpayers should pay attention to the prices of food, prepared goods, gas, snow plowing/removal services, and winter hardware equipment.  Residents, especially elderly residents, should be wary of anyone attempting to sell them a service during this emergency as well.  Comptroller Mychajliw reminded taxpayers that price gouging is illegal and those who violate the law should be held accountable.

As the County’s Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller Mychajliw advised local municipal leaders dealing with this storm emergency to track all of their spending and keep impeccable records now.   Mychajliw referenced the many emergencies the county has been through and the headache in assembling paperwork after the fact to obtain State and Federal reimbursements for covered costs.  “As this storm progresses, some areas may become eligible for Federal or State aid to help cover the costs associated with cleaning up.  That aid is typically in the form of a reimbursement, and local governments need to have their storm related books in good order to ensure they receive the money,” said Mychajliw.   “Erie County learned this lesson the hard way.  I took office 6 years after the famous October Storm and we still had folks on the payroll chasing down federal reimbursements, and that’s a totally avoidable headache,” cautioned Mychajliw.

Mychajliw issued the late afternoon warnings to protect taxpayers.  “Ultimately, it is my job to look out for the taxpayer’s money and make sure they aren’t taken advantage of.  To me, there are no boundaries or jurisdictions where that responsibility stops,” said Mychajliw.

 

 

 

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