AUBURN - Help is on the way for Cayuga County Legislature Chairman George Fearon.
In a 4-2 vote Tuesday night, the Cayuga County Government Operations Committee approved hiring a part-time secretary for the chairman.
Although not supported by all, in December, legislators approved the additional $14,000 position to the 2007 budget. Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, and Michael Lepak, D-Auburn, opposed filling the position.
“I know I'll be in the minority but I won't support this,” Sedor said. “It's too soon with Mr. (County Manager Wayne) Allen being here to commit to this. We can do restructuring on the sixth floor.”
Ann Petrus, R-Brutus, requested to committee members that the position be filled and removed later if necessary.
“We don't have enough people here to do the work that has to be done,” Petrus said.
Legislature Chairman George Fearon explained that this secretary would do more than just serve the chairman.
“The position is for the legislative body as a whole,” Fearon said.
Andrea Seamans, administrative assistant to Allen, previously served as secretary to the chairman for 16 years. Seamans has been overloaded with legislative work and work received from the county manager who began working at the end of October.
“I'm not doing the same things I've done for 16 years for chair of the Legislature,” Seamans said during the meeting. “It's very hard when there is not someone there to address those needs.”
Paul Dudley, former Government Operations chair, moved to approve the resolution.
“Like it or not, our government is growing. There is more demand on the government,” Dudley said.
The resolution will be passed to the Ways and Means Committee and the full Legislature for approval this month.
In other news:
€ The Government Operations Committee approved a new procedure for how county departments must prepare resolutions for the Legislature.
Beginning this month, department heads must submit informational sheets with the resolutions explaining the request for approval more clearly with the total possible expense.
Allen is also requiring earlier resolution deadlines each month to allow for necessary changes prior to the Legislature meeting.
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
Although not supported by all, in December, legislators approved the additional $14,000 position to the 2007 budget. Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, and Michael Lepak, D-Auburn, opposed filling the position.
“I know I'll be in the minority but I won't support this,” Sedor said. “It's too soon with Mr. (County Manager Wayne) Allen being here to commit to this. We can do restructuring on the sixth floor.”
Ann Petrus, R-Brutus, requested to committee members that the position be filled and removed later if necessary.
“We don't have enough people here to do the work that has to be done,” Petrus said.
Legislature Chairman George Fearon explained that this secretary would do more than just serve the chairman.
“The position is for the legislative body as a whole,” Fearon said.
Andrea Seamans, administrative assistant to Allen, previously served as secretary to the chairman for 16 years. Seamans has been overloaded with legislative work and work received from the county manager who began working at the end of October.
“I'm not doing the same things I've done for 16 years for chair of the Legislature,” Seamans said during the meeting. “It's very hard when there is not someone there to address those needs.”
Paul Dudley, former Government Operations chair, moved to approve the resolution.
“Like it or not, our government is growing. There is more demand on the government,” Dudley said.
The resolution will be passed to the Ways and Means Committee and the full Legislature for approval this month.
In other news:
€ The Government Operations Committee approved a new procedure for how county departments must prepare resolutions for the Legislature.
Beginning this month, department heads must submit informational sheets with the resolutions explaining the request for approval more clearly with the total possible expense.
Allen is also requiring earlier resolution deadlines each month to allow for necessary changes prior to the Legislature meeting.
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
The Citizens' Say
There are 2 comment(s)
Jerry Morgan Sr wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:34 PM:
Taxpayer wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:08 PM: