NORWICH – Chenango County is poised to step in and fill a $75,000 hole left when New York State pulled back its Empire State Development funding this year.

Acting on a referral from the planning & economic development committee, members of the county’s finance committee agreed Wednesday to increase taxpayer dollars in Commerce Chenango’s 2010 budget by $30,000. The move awaits the full board’s approval later on during this budgeting season.

“The additional funds being provided by the county will assist us in filling a gap that state cutbacks have created, and allow us to maintain an appropriate level of service for our local businesses, to seek new opportunities, and assist individuals looking to start a small business,” said Commerce Chenango President Maureen Carpenter. “I am very grateful to both (committees) for their support of our county’s economic development program.” 

Commerce Chenango, formerly known as the Chamber of Commerce, is the county’s primary economic development agency. The $30,000 would be added onto the approximately $155,000 budgeted last year for tourism, economic development, publicity and for general Chamber services.