If the 15 Cayuga County legislators didn't receive health insurance benefits, the county would save roughly $200,000 annually.

In what he calls a money-saving effort for the county, Legislator David Pappert, R-Auburn, is seeking legislative support to cut medical, hospital, surgical and dental insurance coverage to newly elected and appointed Cayuga County legislators as of Sept. 1. Coverage would continue for currently elected and appointed legislators.

In a letter to legislators, Pappert requests Government Operations Committee members consider his resolution at the June committee meeting.

According to Pappert, the cost of providing benefits is greater than the total of all legislative salaries and the stipends given to the chairman, majority/minority leader and the committee chairs combined.

In the letter, Pappert says that by eliminating the benefits now for new legislators and decreasing exposure for current legislators and retirees as time passes, legislators will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Due to the hiring of a county manager, Pappert said there is now less legislative responsibility.

“It's an unreasonable expense to put on the taxpayers,” Pappert said. “If it's offered it will be taken and appreciated but it doesn't benefit taxpayers.”

Legislator Daniel Schuster, D-Auburn, said he supports this legislation, noting that it's something he addressed during his campaign. He added that he does not use the benefits offered to part-time legislators.

Pappert said that the only strong argument he has heard against his proposal is that it's a perk that may lead to more qualified candidates.

“I don't believe people run for the Legislature for health insurance benefits. We do it for the community and to help the Legislature make good decisions,” Pappert said.

But Francis Mitchell, chair of Government Operations Committee, believes it is an advantage that encourages people to run for a legislative seat.

“I do see the medical benefits as a worthwhile incentive for a new legislator,” Mitchell said. “I'm not particularly thrilled with it (Pappert's proposal).”

Mitchell said the idea is not sensible because if authorized, starting in September there will be a two-level pay scale for legislators, one with benefits and one without.

Meanwhile, only employees working 20 years or longer with the county are currently eligible to receive lifetime medical benefits the county offers to retiring employees.

If the three-term limit maximum for legislators to serve is authorized, no legislators will meet the 20-year minimum anyway, he added.

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