If there was one group that I never felt the need to baby sit over the past couple of years, it was the Cayuga County Legislature.

They always seemed disciplined and fiscally responsible, and generally they understood that it was critical to control spending. When dealing with people like the unions or various department heads, they knew the difference between what was needed and what was wanted.

But that has all ended.

We've seen a big change in county government recently. Living in Cayuga County will cost Auburn property owners an additional 7.4 percent in taxes in 2007, and that includes $1 million that was taken out of the fund balance to apply toward our taxes. Without that money the tax increase would have been well into double digits. Why are we getting hit that hard?

You can thank former city manager John Salomone and company for their big tax assessment increase. This is all a far cry from what we witnessed when Herb Marshall was running things at the county level. He raised taxes 3.9 percent one year and they next year was actually a 1.8 percent decrease, which is practically unheard of. That's one of the reasons why we felt comfortable trusting the Legislature. And Marshall was able to do it with bi-partisan support.

Now we've got some new faces and some big new problems. To make matters worse, the word on the street is that next year's budget will make this one look like small potatoes.

The budget isn't the only area of concern at the Legislature right now. Let's not forget that George Fearon just jumped through that big loophole left behind by Ann Petrus. First, he resigned, knowing full well that his buddies would vote him right back in. This way he could collect his retirement when he officially resigned from his job in the Union Springs Central School District. State law prohibits employees from immediately collecting their pension if they're still employed by another government entity when they retire.

This law exists to prevent exactly this kind of behavior. Fearon claims that he won't double-dip on both pensions, but how do we know this to be true? We don't. He could change his mind anytime.

These legislators are supposed to be following the laws. Instead of being examples of good conduct, their behavior is encouraging people to search for ways to get around the law for personal gain. These loopholes have been supported by Republicans only if the person is a proven “team” player.

Now we must be vigilant not only about yearly city tax increases, but we must keep a close eye on the county as well.

Ducayne can be reached at sacredheart6005@hotmail.com