Cayuga County officials have not yet decided the future employment of Cayuga County Buildings and Grounds employee John Chick, who pleaded guilty to illegally removing asbestos from the county's Board of Elections in February 2006.

Officials adjourned Chick's civil service hearing Tuesday morning until August. County officials charged Chick with misconduct and incompetence and are seeking to remove him from employment.

Cayuga County Manager Wayne Allen, who said he didn't attend the hearing, referred all questions to county Attorney Fred Westphal.

Chick's suspension with pay will continue until August when a decision on his employment may be determined, Westphal said. He explained that the four-month gap until the next hearing is due to scheduling conflicts between county officials and attorneys.

Chick was indicted in December on 10 federal charges related to illegal asbestos removal and was placed on administrative leave with pay.

In January, Chick pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Clean Air Act and was then suspended from his job without pay.

By contract and civil service law, Chick could only be suspended without pay for 30 days. Since then, he has been suspended from working with pay. His sentencing is scheduled for June 5.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net