NORWICH – At the first full Common Council meeting of the new year, the City of Norwich presented a proclamation in support of shared services in Chenango County.

Mayor Joseph Maiurano began Tuesday’s meeting by pointing out the historic nature of this year’s inauguration and by bring attention to some of President Barack Obama’s words.

“As our new president has reminded us, it is we, the people, who must be the ones to make a difference. We can’t rely on the higher levels of government. We, here in the cities, towns and counties, must do the hard work to deal with the many serious and complicated issues that lie ahead,” Maiurano said.

While the mayor explained these issues are ours to deal with, he said we do not have to do it alone.

“We can decide to work together to solve our problems. It’s that first decision that each of us must make, to cooperate, to work together, that will make everything possible,” he said. “In that spirit, I’d like to present a proclamation regarding a new category of grants available through the state for shared services.”