CANTON — St. Lawrence County hired a Buffalo attorney Monday to help negotiate a union contract, much to the displeasure of more than 60 employees who packed a meeting room.

Members of Civil Service Employees Association Local 845 packed the Legislature's chambers, forcing lawmakers to move their meeting upstairs to the more spacious state Supreme Court room. Employees urged legislators not to bring-in an outsider to make the county's case during the pending negotiation. The union's three-year contract expires at the end of the year.

"It sends a terrible message to your workforce," said Betty J. Thomas, local president. "We ask that we all come in with an open mind instead of making it adversarial. They're not your enemies."

Members of the union stood while Ms. Thomas spoke and applauded her plea.

Legislators spent an hour behind closed doors discussing the contract negotiation before coming back into public view to debate hiring Richard H. Wyssling. Legislators voted 9-5 to hire him for $200 per hour.

Supporting lawmakers said the county lacks the kind of negotiating experience needed to deal with the union that represents most employees.

A lack of experience by County Administrator Karen M. St. Hilaire and County Attorney Peter B. Lekki was specifically mentioned. Both were hired in 2007 after Democrats took over the Legislature. Former County Administrator Donald R. Brining previously led negotiations.

"We're missing that," said Legislator Tedra L. Cobb, D-Canton.

Trying to smooth the rift, legislators reminded the union several times that Mr. Wyssling will be a consultant.

"We'll be the ones who tell this person the expectations we have for these negotiations," said Legislator Daniel J. Girard, D-Louisville.