NORWICH – County officials are considering expanding the government payroll to create a new public information position to streamline how local government communicates with residents and the media.

The new role, which aims to improve transparency and coordinate official updates across all government departments, calls for the creation of a new budget line in Chenango County’s 2027 government spending plan that includes an annual salary ranging from $54,000 to $60,000. The county would spend an additional amount of approximately $37,000 annually for fringe benefits. Collectively, local taxpayers would be on the hook for an extra $100,000 per year.

Supporters of the measure acknowledge that a public information officer (PIO) in county government would be costly, but argue it would go a long way in strengthening transparency, increasing public trust, and improving the quality and reach of communications.

“We want to have control over what information is going out that’s not misinformation or information that’s contradictory to our departments,” said County Board Chairman Jeffrey Blanchard. “This would allow us to have a voice. Information would come from us.”