AUBURN - Cayuga County legislators agreed Tuesday to settle a lawsuit filed by deputies over the former sheriff's restrictive tattoo policy.
Though the vote was unanimous, some lawmakers had reservations about the deal that essentially eliminates a suit filed by six deputies in exchange for attorney fees of $3,000 or less. The money will come from county insurance coverage.
“I don't like the idea of paying for their lawyer,” Judicial and Public Safety Committee Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius, said afterward. “They got what they wanted; they can pay for their attorney.”
The settlement ends restrictions for current employees and requires the county to negotiate a future policy with the deputies' union. Tuesday's resolution authorizes Legislature Chairman George Fearon to sign off on the settlement after it's reviewed by the county attorney.
Last August, a memo issued under former Cayuga County Sheriff Rob Outhouse required all visible tattoos to be covered. Department-issue short-sleeve uniforms exposed the forearm tattoos of many deputies.
A lawsuit alleged the rule violated First Amendment rights and suggested the move was made in retaliation to deputies who supported Outhouse's political opponent and current sheriff Dave Gould.
In other news:
* The Legislature unanimously approved consolidation of some sheriff and nursing home positions into the Building and Grounds Department. However, a second vote to increase salaries of the nursing home building maintenance supervisor and buildings and grounds superintendent met some opposition before passing.
The resolution and supporting legislators stated the raises were necessary because of expanded coverage and duties.
“It's not fair to hand out raises before we know what the job's going to entail,” said Legislator Peter Tortorici, R-Auburn, after David Pappert, R-Auburn, asked two salary provisions be separated from the consolidation resolution. “We hand out money like candy here.”
Tortorici and Pappert joined Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, and Bernard Smith, R-Throop, in voting no. The measure passed, 10-4. Legislator Steven Netti, R-Auburn, was absent.
* Legislators unanimously passed a resolution supporting reconstruction of the Union Springs Nice N Easy convenience store that was destroyed by fire this month.
“The community would really like to see that facility come back,” said resolution sponsor Fearon, R-Springport.
Company officials have not decided whether they will rebuild the store on Route 90.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
“I don't like the idea of paying for their lawyer,” Judicial and Public Safety Committee Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius, said afterward. “They got what they wanted; they can pay for their attorney.”
The settlement ends restrictions for current employees and requires the county to negotiate a future policy with the deputies' union. Tuesday's resolution authorizes Legislature Chairman George Fearon to sign off on the settlement after it's reviewed by the county attorney.
Last August, a memo issued under former Cayuga County Sheriff Rob Outhouse required all visible tattoos to be covered. Department-issue short-sleeve uniforms exposed the forearm tattoos of many deputies.
A lawsuit alleged the rule violated First Amendment rights and suggested the move was made in retaliation to deputies who supported Outhouse's political opponent and current sheriff Dave Gould.
In other news:
* The Legislature unanimously approved consolidation of some sheriff and nursing home positions into the Building and Grounds Department. However, a second vote to increase salaries of the nursing home building maintenance supervisor and buildings and grounds superintendent met some opposition before passing.
The resolution and supporting legislators stated the raises were necessary because of expanded coverage and duties.
“It's not fair to hand out raises before we know what the job's going to entail,” said Legislator Peter Tortorici, R-Auburn, after David Pappert, R-Auburn, asked two salary provisions be separated from the consolidation resolution. “We hand out money like candy here.”
Tortorici and Pappert joined Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, and Bernard Smith, R-Throop, in voting no. The measure passed, 10-4. Legislator Steven Netti, R-Auburn, was absent.
* Legislators unanimously passed a resolution supporting reconstruction of the Union Springs Nice N Easy convenience store that was destroyed by fire this month.
“The community would really like to see that facility come back,” said resolution sponsor Fearon, R-Springport.
Company officials have not decided whether they will rebuild the store on Route 90.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
