The planned merger of Onondaga County’s Jamesville Prison with the downtown Justice Center is still on hold more than a month after an April 1 deadline. But two county lawmakers still see a path forward, even if it’s taking longer than expected.
Lawmakers narrowly approved a personnel resolution back in February that eliminated the corrections positions at Jamesville and re-created them at the Justice Center to address a staffing shortage. The move essentially forces the closure of Jamesville.
Onondaga County Legislature Chairman Jim Rowley supported the plan, and said the deadline in the legislation was aspirational.
"At least from my perspective, personally, it was always flexible. I wanted to make sure that we had something in there that meant something. But at the end of the day, it's really the sheriff that has to implement this plan. So we have to give him the leeway to do that,” Rowley said.
Sheriff Toby Shelley has repeatedly said that he needs more time. County Legislator Mark Olson, chair of the public safety committee, agreed, and was a no vote.
"I have said all along, I didn't disagree with what the county executive was trying to do. I think it was a prudent management decision and something we needed to look at. I also don't blame the sheriff for not being in favor of because being new in that position. So, I've advocated for some more time. That doesn't mean we don't have an issue,” Olson said.
Olson said he hopes the sheriff and county executive can eventually meet in the middle. Rowley said he remains optimistic despite hiccups in the complicated process.
“It was the right thing to do at the time. I believe that the sheriff is going to come more to our side, and maybe we have to be a little more flexible in terms of how he executes the plan. But I think at the end of the day, this is going to work out,” Rowley said.
The county executive’s office was unavailable for comment.
