Nontenured policymaker in the public service ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits if he or she is terminated by the appointing authority
Matter of Matter of Briggs (Commissioner of Labor), Decided on December 22, 2011, Appellate Division, Third Department
Daniel L. Briggs was appointed the County Manager for Sullivan County in 2000. When, in 2005, the County Legislature terminated his employment, Briggs filed a claim for unemployment insurance benefits.
Ultimately the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board ruled that Briggs was ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and Briggs appealed.
Citing Labor Law §565.2(e), the Appellate Division affirmed the Board’s ruling, pointing out that a claimant is ineligible to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits when he or she is employed by a governmental entity in a "major nontenured policymaking or advisory position."
The court concluded that Briggs employment as County Manager was as a nontenured policymaker or advisor as his duties included appointing and supervising department heads, developing policy and procedural recommendations for the County Legislature, performing advisory oversight of the County Auditor and preparing the operating and capital budgets for the employer.
The decision is posted on the Internet at:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2011/2011_09224.htm