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Two Seneca Falls officers urge board to correct retirement-plan clerical error
Summary
Lieutenant Thomas Clear and Sergeant Bethany Kidd told the town board a hiring paperwork error placed them in the wrong New York State retirement plan, potentially extending required service decades; family members, union leaders and residents pressed the board to fix the mistake and restore the officers to the promised 20‑year plan.
Lieutenant Thomas Clear told the Seneca Falls Town Board that a clerical error placed him into the wrong New York State retirement plan when he was hired in 2014 and that the mistake was later confirmed by the retirement system. "That is why tonight, I implore the town board to do the only responsible and ethical thing and correct this mistake as soon as legislative priorities will allow," he said.
Sergeant Bethany Kidd, who said she is in the same situation, described assurances from the town manager in October 2024 that the town would fix the error after related litigation was resolved; she said she now feels the town has not honored that commitment. Family members, union representatives and other residents — including Chris Denny, president of the local Police Benevolent Association chapter — spoke in support, urging the board to act without waiting for the legislative session if possible. "We are asking you, the town board, to fix a mistake that was made by an employee of your organization in order to fulfill a promise made to us," Cynthia Clear, the lieutenant's wife, told the board.
Board members noted the procedural limits on adding items to the agenda and said some decisions require postings or follow statutory timelines; one board member explained that resolutions must be posted ahead of meetings. The board did not make a formal corrective motion during the meeting. Several speakers said they had been told by state legislative staff that any required local paperwork should be ready in January when the next state legislative session begins, and asked the board to prepare accordingly.
The petitioners asked the town to provide a clear timetable, cost estimate and a formal resolution to address the enrollment error. The officers and their supporters characterized the issue as a matter of fairness and public safety, saying the possibility of requiring long additional service undermines recruitment and retention for hazardous jobs. No final board action to change the officers' retirement status was recorded at the meeting; the matter remained under discussion and subject to statutory and administrative constraints.
