Board of Legislators set to vote next week regarding contract with Onondaga Co.'s Medical Examiner's Office
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: December 7, 2012
Questions still remain in the decision to combine medical examiner services between Oneida and Onondaga counties.
In fact, some area officials are still questioning the legality of the pending contract between the two counties.
Friday night, the Ways and Means Committee and the Health & Human Services Committee reviewed the contract drafted by the Oneida County and Onondaga County Attorney's Offices.
Onondaga County's Chief Medical Examiner and Director were present at tonight's meeting to address questions the committees may have.
All Oneida County Board of Legislators were invited to raise concerns about the contract, one of them being Legislator Chad Davis.
He says he's still skeptical of the costs even though the County Executive says it's not a savings or an added cost.
But, Legislator Davis says he's also questioning if the county followed proper protocol to propose the switch from a Coroner's system to a Medical Examiner's system.
Legislator Davis says the county should have ordered a permissive referendum, in which taxpayers would have a say in the switch.
"If the State Constitution calls for it based on when you eliminate an elected office in midterm or midstream. Even with charter form of government they must provide a permissive referendum," said Davis, (D)-18.
But, the county's attorney says they did not break any laws.
"This did not require a permissive referendum. This was something that was a part of the originally charter of the county. That means the voters already back in the 60s said that we could switch to a coroner's system to a Medical Examiner's system without going back to them," said Greg Amoroso, Oneida County Attorney.
Legislator Davis says the State Constitution trumps any county law, therefore the county should have implemented the permissive referendum.
Legislator Davis says he has filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office regarding this issue.
He says he should hear back sometime next week. Next week, the Oneida County Board of Legislators will vote yes or no for the contract and if passed will be implemented starting January 1st.
