AUBURN -- Cayuga County legislators paid state fines for illegal asbestos removal and Steven Netti emerged from a long absence Tuesday.

Lawmakers closed the year with a nearly unanimous vote to pay $10,000 for state Department of Environmental Conservation violations linked to illegal asbestos removal at the county Board of Elections building in March 2006. The DEC and EPA will not take further action in a case that lead to the conviction of John Chick, who pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations this year.

"This is less than a slap on the wrist compared to what it could've been," Legislator Paul Dudley, R-Cato said.

Maximum fines varied between $250,000 for one violation to $25,000 per day in the months the incident went unreported, according to County Attorney Fred Westphal.

"We don't like to spend taxpayer money on any fines," Legislature Chairman George Fearon said, R-Springport. "But if it's less than what it could have been, it's beneficial to the county."

The county still faces several class-action suits brought by employees and members of the public who contend they were exposed to asbestos. Federal prosecutors have indicated they will not file criminal charges against the county.

The DEC payment does not close the books on administrative action against the county, Westphal said. He declined to identify the nature of a final pending violation.

Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, said she did not have adequate time to review the resolution before casting the lone no vote in a 13-1 decision to pay the fine. Michael Lepak, D-Auburn, was absent.

Legislator Netti cast his first votes at a county government meeting in more than a year Tuesday. The city Republican has been battling a brain tumor since September 2006.

"It's very nice to see you sitting in your chair again," Fearon said to a standing ovation by legislators and others in attendance.

Netti, who was assisted by one of his sons and a caretaker, stayed for majority of the meeting. His wife, Rose, has said Netti plans to finish his term that expires in 2009.