New Legislation Could Mean Tense Relations with Albany (8/5/09)

Draft of the Legislation presented to the Public Safety Committee before it went

to the full Legislature on Tuesday

Christine Pitawanich

NCC News

The Onondaga County Legislature took a stand against Albany. Tuesday afternoon, a unanimous vote approved County Executive, Joanne Mahoney, to press the state for money to house parole violators. The legislation also permits Mahoney to take legal action against Albany if they don’t pay up.

A Cut in State Spending

It all started on April 1, 2009 when state-wide budget cuts were issued because of the economic downturn. State funding to house parole violators disappeared, leaving local taxpayers with the full cost of housing inmates. According to the new legislation, if the state does not reimburse the county, it’s likely the average property owner will see higher taxes in 2010.

Unfunded Requirements

Currently, the state requires parole violators be held in county jails and up until now, Albany has partially reimbursed the county for the cost. 14^th District County Legislator, Casey Jordan, expressed his frustration, “They’re telling us that we have to house these parole violators but now they don’t want to give us any money at all,” he said.

A Burden for Local Taxpayers

And money is at the heart of the issue. According to legislation, it costs the county more than $100 per day to house parole violators. “Previously they were only paying roughly 40% of the cost and local tax payers were having to pay 60%. Now they want us to pay 100% of that cost,” said Jordan. “We should be reimbursed. It shouldn’t be something that is being imposed upon us without any choice in the matter.”

“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

If the county can’t persuade Albany to partially reimburse the cost to house parolees, the new legislation will give Onondaga County the option to sue the state. Jordan disclosed that he wasn’t too eager for a lawsuit because it would cost taxpayers more money. But he admitted that the option of litigation might make Albany take the county more seriously, “I don’t think this is something we can really continue to take lying down,” said Jordan. “We need to make it clear that we will have every willingness to pursue legal action if that’s necessary.”

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