Erie County Council is now determining the future of the Erie County Human Relations Commission.

On Thursday, during a special meeting, Erie County Council members voted on and ordinance to form a committee that will help them make a decision.

According to Erie County Councilman Brian Shank, the commission's executive director Tony Louge recently resigned with short notice.

“I think the fact that we lost our executive director brings a lot of concern,” said Human Relations Commission Chairperson Mary Jo Campbell. “I get that, but the fact that they might have even attempted to eliminate it, does concern me a lot.”

In order to keep the commission in operation, council members need to determine how it will run moving forward.

The Human Relations Commission investigates claims of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Their goal is to ensure equal opportunities for everyone in the community.

“It’s pretty unique to Erie County,” said Campbell. “A lot of the other counties don’t have their own commission, so I think it’s really important to keep it.”

Council members are now considering three options, which include eliminating the commission, continuing it as is, or restructuring the organization.

With many people still rebounding from the pandemic, Erie County Councilman Andre Horton says the timing is terrible.

“At a time where we’re looking at facing unprecedented homelessness, I think it’s a horrible time to be having this discussion,” said Horton. “Certainly, the climate of the country, even the climate of the county mandates that we have such an entity.”

Campbell agrees.

"I can't think of a worse time to get rid of a commission such as the HRC,” said Campbell. “People are struggling very, very hard. They are losing jobs left and right. They are getting underpaid. There are so many things going on right now. Housing and also landlords are in trouble too."

According to the Campbell, nearly 80 percent of the complaints they receive are employment related.

As of tonight, it's unclear when county council will make a final decision.

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.