MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature had a fairly routine meeting last night in Mayville, all the way up until the final privilege of the floor. According to today’s Jamestown Post-Journal, during last night’s meeting several county legislators spoke out during the final public comment portion of the meeting, asking for an update on CSEA negotiations surrounding the Chautauqua County Home. Because of the state’s Taylor law, they were denied the information.
Earlier in the month, the county received contract proposals from the CSEA regarding the County Home. Members of the CSEA also forwarded a letter to each county legislator – which was then reportedly read during the meeting at the request of minority leader Lori Cornell (D-Jamestown).
However, some objections were raised about how much information the legislature should have in the negotiation process, as well as what they are allowed to discuss publicly.
In today’s Post-Journal article, County Attorney Steve Abdella said that under the Taylor Law and the county charter, the County Executive is specifically charged with the responsibility for negotiation of all employee contracts. The County Legislature has separate duties, including the task of resolving an impasse in negotiations and authority to approve or disapprove negotiated labor contracts. He also said that the New York Public Employees Relations Board frowns on legislative involvement prior to an impasse resolution procedure.
Despite Abdella’s explanation, some legislators continued to question whether there were any updates as to the progress of the negotiations, rather than the negotiating itself. The meeting came to an abrupt end when Keith Ahlstrom (D-Dunkirk) moved to adjourn.
County Executive Greg Edwards is currently in negotiations with the CSEA. He is also still working with potential purchaser William Rothner of Altitude Health Services, LLC on the proposed sale of the home. A resolution involving the sale could come before the legislature as early as the January meeting.
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