BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County Comptroller maintains the county will not owe FEMA nearly $50 million after it responds to a federal audit regarding assistance received for the October 2006 storm.

A federal investigator is standing by the audit, according to The Buffalo News. He says the county did not leave a paper trail regarding decisions on contractors for clean-up following the disaster.

But comptroller Stefan Mychajliw says it's his understanding the proper documentation has been located. It will be part of the response due to the Inspector General's office in May.

"Had the county had a true exit conference, had we had a true opportunity to find and present the documentation, the county's position is this wouldn't even be an issue," said Mychajliw, (R).

The county's only contingency right now is a rainy day fund of about $84 million, but the comptroller says using that money would be devastating.

Source: YNN