BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is welcoming two new helicopters. However, a political and financial dispute has raised questions about the process. One of the helicopters might need to be sold before it is even outfitted.

"Nothing about this has been routine," said Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick (D).

Hardwick said the county does not currently have the money to outfit the helicopters with the specialized gear needed for operations. Hardwick said he was aware of plans to purchase one new helicopter, but not two.

“We were blindsided by this,” said Hardwick. “Rather than get one helicopter, which is all we wanted to save taxpayers money, they went ahead and—unbeknownst to us—turned one helicopter into two.”

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