KTKA

The mayor says he's trying to protect your tax dollars, but a recent decision he made could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars for nothing.

Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten and city council members have been squabbling over the purchase of a second new police helicopter for months. The mayor doesn't want it and a majority of the council does. No matter if we get a helicopter or not, you could be paying big bucks.

Bunten has been adamant about vetoing any purchase of a chopper. But the city council went behind his back a few weeks ago and found a way to buy the $800,000 chopper without the mayor having a say.

They used a document called a "communication," which city attorney Brenden Long said the mayor can't veto.

Bunten vetoed it anyway. If he has his way, the contract the city's entered into will be called off altogether.

But, we uncovered it would cost taxpayers more than $70,000 to renege on the deal.

"I realize it," Bunten said. "I also realize that if you purchase the helicopter, it'll cost you $800,000."

Bunten has asked Shawnee County District Attorney Robert Hecht whether he has the right to veto the chopper. If Hecht says yes and the council still disagrees with the mayor, Bunten said the matter could end up in court.

Hecht is also investigating whether the council's decision to buy the helicopter violated the state's Open Meetings Act. The item wasn't on the agenda and was approved 5-3.

We attempted to contact Hecht Thursday morning, but he's on a holiday vacation.