BUFFALO, N.Y. — In January, the Erie County Water Authority's Board of Commissioners approved a contract for its executive director, Earl Jann, guaranteeing his full salary through 2020. If Jann, a Republican, is forced out this year when Democrats take back control of the politically appointed board, he will be paid out between $300,000 to 400,000.

"This generous severance package comes at a time when the Water Authority should be using its resources to fix our aging infrastructure and to address water quality concerns," Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, D-Lancaster, said.

Wallace said this kind of practice of handing out so-called golden parachutes is not acceptable for any of New York State's public authorities. In response, she is proposing legislation to limit severance for appointees who can be fired without cause to three months’ pay and ensure the severance isn't calculated into retirement benefits.

"It would apply to future appointees which the next one presumably is going to be a Democrat so it is something that would apply to going forward, regardless of which party controls the authority," she said.

While Wallace is still drafting the bill, some members of the Erie County Legislature believe it's a good idea.

"I think it's a good start. It's something I agree with. Something needs to be done. We shouldn't be paying people hundreds of thousands of dollars if they get fired. Period," Joe Lorigo, C, said.

Democrat Tom Loughran said once the legislature appoints a new commissioner, the board should rescind Jann's contract too. He said he's exploring other ways to fix a broken system.

"One of the things I'm going to be looking into is maybe it's time for the Water Authority to become a department under the county executive and then if something goes wrong, the county executive can ask for a resignation," Loughran said.

Jann, meanwhile, said the calls for reform are merely political grandstanding for a made-up issue which is distracting from the good work the authority is doing. He said he did not receive a golden parachute but rather a contract similar to what other executive directors across the state have received.