HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - In a county where the Republican party is used to controlling seats in county government, the GOP expanded their control of the Herkimer County Board of Legislators on Tuesday - with the Republicans now holding 14 of the possible 17 seats.

The two men voted out of the legislature were Democrats Daniel Carter, of Little Falls, and Joseph Chilelli, of Herkimer. Chilelli was one of the legislators who opposed building a new jail.

His main concerns were the cost to build the jail and what the operating costs to maintain the jail would be. During votes to move forward with building a new jail on this piece of property on Route 28 in Herkimer, Chilelli would often vote 'no.' Chilelli, a legislator for Herkimer County's 3rd District, believes the county can not afford to build a new jail.

One Republican legislator, who asked to not be named, was voted back into office on Tuesday, said he now expects to move the jail forward with ease. Before this past election, the Republican party held 12 seats on the 17 seat board. After Tuesday's election, two more will join, bringing the GOP parties total to 14.

The Chairman of the Herkimer County Republican Committee said that this past election was the first time a Republican ran for each and every seat on the Herkimer County Board of Legislators.