NORWICH – Another transfer of money necessary to afford labor relations expenses came before the Chenango County Board of Supervisors this month, the first of 2012 in the now 15-month long standoff between Chenango County and the two unions representing public safety employees

Taxpayers have already spent about $10,000 on the negotiations with the Law Enforcement Association and Chenango County Sheriff’s Employee’s Association, whose contracts expired Dec. 31, 2009. This month’s authorization for $15,000 (which could include other labor expenses, according to Clerk of the Board RC Woodford) already exceeds the 2012 budgeted amount by $4,000.

Several callers and writers to The Evening Sun’s ‘30 Seconds’ reaction line, who identify themselves as public safety officials or their representatives, have lamented the wait and rumored 1 percent pay raise offers from the county. In comparison, Civil Service Employees working in other county departments received increases last year anywhere from 3 to 4.5 percent through 2013.

Chenango County Attorney Alan Gordon said he could not comment on the rumors.

Prior to adopting the proposed resolution on March 13, Preston Supervisor Peter C. Flanagan requested a general progress update and clarification about the county’s need to contract with a negotiator.

LeRoy Kotary of New Hartford was hired last May to represent the county on contracts Traditionally, the board chairman and the county’s contracted law firm, Hancock Estabrook, LLC of Syracuse, have