YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Controversy over the demolition of the former Anthony's on the River continues.

Youngstown council voted against paying for the work that's already been done.

The vacant restaurant on Oak Hill Avenue was demolished this past weekend.  Youngstown City Councilman Julius Oliver said the demolition came one day after he told the city's administration that someone was interested in renovating the building and before council was scheduled to vote on whether they would approve funding for its demolition.

Wednesday evening, council voted 4-to-3 against approving the money needed.

"The message is basically just be transparent. If there is a plan in place or there is something in place that's going to happen down the line, involve council the full way through so we can inform our constituents, our citizens, the people that voted us into office. That way, everybody has an understanding of what's happening," said Oliver.

The city's fire chief had said the possibility of the building collapsing was a danger to the public.

The city's law director, Jeff Limbian, tells 21 News "one way or another it will be paid. Either through clearer heads prevailing or litigation, it will be paid."