Erie officials press parking authority for back payments; mayor sets October deadline

Council members pressed the parking authority to account for prior payments and make a 'true‑up' payment the city believes is owed. In the presentation PFM said the parking authority had previously contributed about $500,000 a year under a barter‑style arrangement and that the city should seek a written, multi‑year agreement going forward.

One council member said the authority "owe[s] us $4,000,000," and the mayor told council she had emailed the authority's director and that the authority had indicated an October 1 response would be reasonable. The mayor said she had told the director that, "if we can't reach an agreement with the current board, then I will be forced to replace the board."

PFM recommended the city first determine the true‑up payment and then pursue a written agreement for predictability and transparency. Councilors said the city is responsible for the authority's debt and urged the city to press for payment before the authority undertakes further capital borrowing.

The mayor asked for a response by Oct. 1 and said she would bring any reply to council for review.