Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo has submitted a proposed local law that would require county employees to reside within Erie County. The “Erie County Employee Residency Requirement Act” was filed in the Legislature on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

“Taxpayers who fund employee salaries deserve a workforce that has a personal interest in the success of this county. That personal interest is derived and maintained by the fact that our employees live here and rely on the same services they are tasked with providing,” said Legislator Lorigo, who held a press conference today detailing the proposed local law.

Current employees who reside outside of Erie County’s borders would be grandfathered in and allowed to maintain their position and residence without penalty. Upon approval of the local law, any new hire would be required to reside within Erie County to accept a position.

“The law takes into consideration that several positions within the county require a highly skilled individual and recruitment outside of Erie County’s borders may be necessary. If a qualified applicant from Erie County is not found, an exception can be made with Legislature approval,” said Legislator Lorigo. “We want to encourage local employment when possible, but don’t want to short-change the public on expertise when it comes to providing them the best service possible.”

A non-county resident who is hired under the exception clause would be required to move into Erie County within six months of employment.

Legislator Lorigo anticipates the “Erie County Employee Residency Requirement Act” will be sent to the Government Affairs Committee at the next session, March 21, for review before a public hearing is scheduled. After the public hearing is held, the Legislature will set a date to vote on the local law.

“I was surprised to learn that Erie County did not have a residency requirement and believe that anyone employed by county taxpayers should also be paying county taxes and thus have a vested interest in the county’s wellbeing and future,” Legislator Lorigo added.

For additional information about the “Erie County Employee Residency Requirement Act,” please contact Legislator Lorigo at (716) 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.