The Monroe County Legislature unanimously approved a 2021 county budget Tuesday night, but Democratic County Executive Adam Bello refused to sign it after two amendments introduced and quickly approved by the majority Republicans.
Democratic Legislator Rachel Barnhart said by Twitter she believes one of the measures, which adjusts salary levels in the county Board of Elections, was an attempt to undo a reorganization of the office by new Commissioner Jackie Ortiz. She says debate was cut off.
Although some Democrats voted against the amendments, the majority carried them with some Democrats joining in. All legislators then voted for the budget. Legislature President Joe Carbone announced a 15 minute break for the county executive to sign it. But after a considerably longer time, Carbone came back on the virtual meeting and announced that Bello had refused to sign. He then adjourned the meeting.