AUBURN - Cayuga County will hire an employee to assume auditing duties on a full-time basis.

The county Legislature unanimously approved Monday a local law establishing a county auditor's office.

The legislature now must appoint a person to a new office that will oversee the county's fiscal operations.

County Manager Wayne Allen said after the meeting that this represents a step forward for the county.

An auditor will allow for better internal control of finances, which should eliminate mistakes like unnecessary or late payments.

Allen, the county treasurer and various committee members currently oversee the operations that will now be undertaken by the auditor.

“We've found errors before,” Allen said. “All of us do not have the time that's needed. (Auditing) takes time.”

No members of the public spoke during a public hearing before the vote on the position.

The appointment would last four years, and the position is budgeted to pay $60,000 plus benefits.

The auditor position was included in the 2009 budget.

The auditor will report directly to the Legislature.

The office will begin with one position, though new jobs could be added if the Legislature decides it is necessary.

In other news:

• The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office will be allowed to accept approximately $12,000 in federal grant funds with which the office plans to purchase electronic tasers.

The sheriff's office is jointly applying for the grant money with the Auburn Police Department, which has been approved for approximately $38,000 through the same program.

Legislators Daniel Schuster and Ann Petrus both voted against the resolution to accept the funds, though the measure passed. Schuster said he would like to see the money used to purchase something more beneficial to the county's residents.

“It doesn't have to be for tasers,” Schuster said.

But Sheriff David Gould said the devices, which utilize an electric charge to incapacitate a person, protect more people than just the peace officers using them.

“A lot of times, it saves the lives of the perpetrators,” Gould said.

• The county will advertise bids for design work to repair the Old Historic Post Office. Legislators approved a resolution authorizing requests for proposals on architectural work for the building, which maintained some damage to the exterior in March when multiple large blocks fell from the eastern wall.

The resolution also indicated that the county will advertise bids for work on the county office building and court house. Legislators approved the item after voting to split the proposal into multiple projects.

• The county will receive $530,440 in federal stimulus funds for the Employment and Training Department. The Legislature approved a resolution accepting those funds, which will be used for needs-related payments, child care and travel reimbursement.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.