NORWICH – Richard B. Decker, R-North Norwich, was unanimously elected chairman of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors on Friday for the 12th consecutive year.

Town of Guilford Supervisor Alton B. Doyle, himself a veteran politician having served his town for 14 years, made the nomination. It was seconded by Personnel Committee Chairman Wayne Outwater, R-Lincklaen.

In accepting the position, Decker thanked the board for its continued support and reflected on two capital projects currently underway: the public safety tower project and renovation of the former Sheriff’s Office and jail into offices for the Department of Social Services.

He said the tower project will provide the county’s fire, police and highway personnel with modern, up-to-date equipment which, in turn, “benefits every taxpayer and resident.”

Demolition of the jail cell structure should begin soon, he said, followed by renovations. “Once we can get the DSS administration over there, the rest of the moves we want to make in this building can get started ... not soon enough for the courts, I’m sure,” he said.

Decker was referring to statements made late last year by the New York Sate Office of Court Administration. The statements called for a much sooner move-in date and a greater number of offices than the county had planned to free up.

Decker also warned supervisors that New York Governor Paterson’s budget proposals will cost taxpayers more.