Archive: Around Town

The Tompkins County Sheriff's Department is down one patrol car, because MetLife Insurance won't pay.  In fact, the insurance company has been sending a mixed message, according to Sheriff Peter Meskill.  On the one hand they have declared the vehicle as "totalled" and set a value on what they will reimburse the Sheriff's department, and on the other hand they have claimed they are owed money from the department for monies they have paid out.

On June 25 Deborah J. Ford of the Elmira area cut off Deputy Kevin Gulini when she made a left turn in front of his vehicle as they were traveling in opposite directions on Route 96 in Trumansburg near the Van Dorns Corners Road intersection.  Deputy Gulini tried to stop, but was unable to avoid hitting her car, doing considerable damage to the department's vehicle as well.  He was transported to Cauya Medical Center.  He was unable to return to work for three days.  Ms. Ford refused medical help and was ticketed by a Sheriff's Department sergeant.  Claims were filed with Ms. Ford's insurer, MetLife.

In August the story got confusing.

The County received two letters from the company on August 18th.  The first letter informed the Sheriff that the vehicle was a total loss, and that MetLife would pay $7,355.50.  They arrived at this figure by subtracting a $2000 salvage fee from their $13,365 valuation.  The second letter demanded that the Sheriff remove the car from storage immediately and that the County reimburse MetLife for storage and other expenses, claiming the accident was the officer's fault, even though Ms. Ford pleaded guilty in court in July.  They claimed witnesses said she was not at fault.

This is baffling to the Sheriff, who noted that if there are witnesses they should have come forward when his department was investigating the incident.  He also said that the accuracy of accounts by witnesses in the parking lot of a bar at 11pm on a Saturday night is questionable.

The Sheriff's position is that the replacement cost of the vehicle, which they evaluate at $14,925, is only part of what is owed to them by MetLife.  "There are towing and storage charges, lost wages and medical bills," he says.  Sheriff Meskill has called the insurer numerous times, but has been unable to come to an agreement with them.  The matter has been forwarded to the County Attorney to pursue.

On August 29th the car was parked in front of the Public Safety Building on Warren Road with a sign that says, "MetLife WON'T PAY."  This is attracting attention with news organizations including Syracuse televisions channels WSYR and WSTM as well as this publication and the Ithaca Journal reporting the story.  Sheriff Meskill says, "This is just so outrageous people have to be made aware of just how outrageous it is."  Meanwhile the County hasn't seen a penny.

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