Broome County Legislative Minority Leader Jason Garnar says he will pursue a county-wide referendum if a bill that raises the pay of some Broome County elected officials and non-union employees passes.


Broome County Executive Debbie Preston and Broome County Legislature Chairman Jerry Marinich would like to pair annual raises for non-union employees to the county's largest union contract. However Garnar, a Democrat, says there is a conflict of interest, since legislators are the ones who vote to approve union contracts.


"My hope is that the county executive vetoes the law so we don't have to go through that and listen to the people. But, if she doesn't listen to the people, I think there is enough support through Broome County to get this law on the ballot in November so people could vote on it and I'm sure they will overwhelmingly vote it down," said Broome County Legislator Democrat Jason Garnar.


Deputy Broome County Executive John Bernardo responded, "the county executive continues to review and carefully consider all comments that she has received on the pay raise issue. She expects to have a final decision by Thursday. Until that time, we will not comment on possibilities."