Cayuga County legislators likely will wait at least another month to vote on a deal allowing the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York to construct a casino in New York state.

Following a work session June 13 in which members of the public had the opportunity to voice their opinions about the deal, the Legislature anticipated voting on it during tonight's regular monthly meeting.

“At one point that's what I did think,” said Legislature Chairman George Fearon, referring to the possibility for a vote on the bill during the June Legislature meeting.

As part of the deal, the tribe can make up to 10,000 acres of land it owns exempt from property taxes. The tribe would share revenues with both Cayuga and Seneca counties and discontinue its efforts to have its land placed into a federal trust.

But Monday afternoon, the Cayuga County Clerk's Office confirmed that no resolution on the matter has been presented to the Legislature this month.

Fearon said to bring a bill to the full Legislature, it either has to go through the committee process prior to the monthly meeting or must be sponsored by a legislator, neither of which was done this month.

“I'm hoping that this triggers more discussion with the nation. I think we need to come to some better deal,” said Legislator Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius.

Fearon said the proposed settlement may go through the committee process or be sponsored by legislators in July.

The Seneca County Board of Supervisors also announced the postponement of its settlement vote earlier this month.

The deal must be authorized by Seneca and Cayuga counties along with the state Legislature and the U.S. Congress.

“It's not going anywhere unless it's going together,” Fearon said.

He did not comment on whether Seneca County's voting delay decision affected Cayuga County's review of the deal.