The city of Erie is forking over more money to fight a Zoning Hearing Board ruling, in regards to the height requirement for a proposed “tires to energy” plant.

When council approved the hiring of an outside attorney to represent them in court, they said they wouldn't spend more than $6,750.

The attorney services have exceeded council's predictions and so have the bills.

The city already owes $1900 more than its spending limit.

Today, council asked to borrow three thousand dollars from the city controller's budget to make up the difference and pay for any further expenses through the end of the year.

One councilman says it's a waste of money.

"We have no idea what the ultimate cost is going to be, we've already gone over our budget, we're pulling money from another department, that money will very quickly be gone. I hear other council people nickel and dime different things, yet in a case like this we have no idea where it's gonna come from," says Jim Thompson.

Council doesn't know how long they may need this lawyer.

Right now, there is no movement in the matter.