For those who've been opposed to the county's takeover of Oakhill Renaissance Place, it's a chance to say "I told you so." 

Last week, commissioners agreed to pay off a loan from the Ohio Department of Development made originally to Oakhill's former owners.  But now that the county has title to the property, it's the county's responsibility, amounting to half a million dollars with interest, something Mahoning County Auditor says he tried to "protect the taxpayers from," adding he still doesn't know what the final project will cost.

And Sciortino says that troubles him.  It also apparently troubles developer Anthony Cafaro, who's company owns the McGuffey Mall where the county Department of Jobs and Family Services used to be located.  In a written statement Cafaro tells us he and others had predicted Oakhill would cost more than a million dollars, adding that might be coming true.

Administrator George Tablack insists that even if the county is ultimately held liable for a back tax lien to the state, the property is still a bargain compared to the McGuffey location, which he says cost around one point three million dollars a year just in operating expenses.

In the meantime, Tablack claims he's being persecuted by those who continue to oppose Oakhill, saying he may hire a lawyer under the Federal "Whistle-Blower" statutes, claiming he's being attacked for telling the truth about the project.

And while Sciortino tells us he holds no ill-will toward the project, he intends to keep track of Oakhill's expenses, and make sure taxpayers are aware of them too.