A proposed public relations position has become a sticking point in county budget talks. (Sun file photo)

NORWICH – A proposed public relations position has become a sticking point in county budget talks, as officials warn the new role could push spending past the state tax cap.

The theoretical PR position was included in the tentative legislative board budget, reviewed by the county’s Safety and Rules Committee on Wednesday. The position calls for an annual salary up to $60,000 and warrants an approximate $37,000 more to cover costs of fringe benefits.

Chenango County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey Blanchard said the position would help county officials disseminate timely and accurate information, proving beneficial to taxpayers and elected officials alike.

“It’s the people who are listening to a false narrative; those are the ones who we want to make sure get the right information. Those who want to know the real story,” said Blanchard.

The measure gained support of some members of the Safety and Rules Committee who argued that while a public relations position in county government would be costly, it would go a long way in strengthening transparency, increasing public trust, and improving the quality and reach of communications.

“If we had a public information person in place, they would handle our website information for all the different departments. They could handle the meetings and make sure equipment is doing what it needs to do with the IT team, and they could have discussions with the newspaper and give them accurate information on what we’re actually talking about,” said Pharsalia Supervisor Jeremiah Micklas.

Micklas noted that the county has struggled to stay ahead of the spread of information online, especially when it comes to controversial initiatives like the recent restructuring of the Area Agency on Aging, and the county’s proposed $37.6 million office building project. A PIO would work directly with department heads, the county attorney, the board clerk, and the board chairman to streamline public communications and livestream public meetings in order to make those types of initiatives more transparent.

“I think there’s a need for it to make sure people understand and trust. Otherwise, they’re just thinking hearsay,” Micklas added.

While acknowledging the benefits, New Berlin Supervisor Wendy Rifanburg voiced concerns over a proposed PIO position, saying that her constituency is more worried about day-to-day government expenses, like highway maintenance and rising gas prices.

“That stuff is more important than getting information out,” she said. “Should we put another $60,000 in the budget when we know we have so much more in expenses with fuel, electric costs, and everybody is hurting now? Is that a necessity that we need this year?”

The Safety and Rules Committee also saw a proposed “financial advisor to the board” position included in the 2027 budget. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the county would pay retiring County Treasurer Bill Craine a $26,000 part-time salary to guide ongoing projects and smooth the transition for the incoming county treasurer.

Keeping the PR and financial advisor positions would lead to a $115,000 increase in the legislative board budget for 2027.

The Safety and Rules Committee moved to accept the spending plan, with the caveat that the PR position would be the first line item eliminated if the final county budget oversteps the tax cap.