Putnam Lawmakers Override County Executive's Veto Of Raises

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County lawmakers re-affirmed their desire to give raises to most but not all elected officials by overriding County Executive Kevin Byrne's veto.

A pay freeze for elected officials in his first year was an early promise from Byrne. When he presented his spending plan to the Legislature Oct. 5, it included no merit increase or cost-of-living adjustment for the lawmakers, sheriff, county clerk or part-time coroners.

The legislators added 2.75 percent "cost-of-living" raises for themselves, the sheriff, the county clerk and the county coroners, leaving the county executive out. While the district attorney is an elected office, the salary is set at the state level.

Legislators Toni Addonizio, Ginny Nacerino, Greg Ellner, Paul Jonke, Joseph Castellano and Amy Sayegh voted Tuesday to override the veto. Legislators William Gouldman, Nancy Montgomery and Erin Crowley were not present.

"I really don't understand why you would single out people because their job happens to be an elected job," Jonke told Patch on Wednesday. The three coronors, he said, earn about $25,000 a year and are on call 24/7. "They're called out in the middle of the night to see things I don't ever want to see, and each raise is less than $700," he said. "The cost of a medical examiner's office would be much, much more."

The lawmakers had already rejected parts of Byrne's first budget. "We gave half a million dollars back to the taxpayers," Jonke said.

Jonke said small increases year after year were less disruptive than long periods between large adjustments.

In a statement afterward, Byrne said, "We’re working to negotiate contracts with the four collective bargaining units that represent our public employees, and I simply find it unfair to grant pay raises to elected officials who negotiate or vote on these same contracts before an agreement is finalized. It’s clear six legislators disagree."

Byrne submitted his revisions and vetoes Nov. 8, vetoing the raises for the sheriff, the county clerk and the coroners. He lacks the power to deny raises to the Legislature.

Here's his full statement:

This is what happens in a healthy democracy supported by a system of checks and balances. I used my veto power as a check on the Legislature to fulfill a commitment I made to freeze pay raises for elected officials in my first year. The Legislature exercised their check to override my decision as County Executive.

Residents are still facing real economic hardship whether it be from inflation, high interest rates, or unaffordable housing. Overall, the Legislature and I agreed on over 95% of what this budget should include. We worked together to reduce property and sales taxes, while still delivering services our residents have come to rely on and made record investments in infrastructure improvements and mental health services.

This Administration’s mission remains the same— with a detailed focus on delivering top notch services as we continuously work to make Putnam County Government more affordable, accountable and accessible for our residents. And, I realize we have more work to do.

We’re working to negotiate contracts with the four collective bargaining units that represent our public employees, and I simply find it unfair to grant pay raises to elected officials who negotiate or vote on these same contracts before an agreement is finalized. It’s clear six legislators disagree.

The people of Putnam County should know their County Executive stayed true to his word and did not take a raise in pay.

Editor's Note: Putnam County Legislative Chairman Paul Jonke talked to Patch after the original version of this article was published. His remarks have been added.