NORWICH – One of the first actions taken by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors for 2010 was to authorize a $30,000 increase in the annual payment to Development Chenango.

Formerly known as the Chenango County Area Corporation, Development Chenango is designed to promote economic welfare and encourage and support commerce and industry in the county. It is also the administering agency for the Greater Norwich Empire Zones Program.

During discussion of the proposed resolution, Supervisor Peter C. Flanagan, D-Preston, asked for justification of what he called “a jump” in the approximately $74,000 that has been awarded in past years.

Finance Committee Vice Chairman Dennis Brown, D-Pharsalia, confirmed that the amount was indeed “a sizable increase.” He said, due to state budget cutbacks last year, Development Chenango lost New York State Empire Development Zone money for administrative oversight of local zone properties.

“We are committed to pay it, if the state backs out,” said Brown.

The board adopted a resolution for the 2010 payment to Development Chenango in an amount not to exceed $104,250.

The Preston supervisor proclaimed that he is “not a fan of” the Empire Zone program, and requested more “accountability” from Commerce Chenango regarding all of its economic development activities on behalf of the county. Despite annual reports from the Chamber in the past, Flanagan said he remained unclear as to who the Chamber’s partners are and how the organization is funded.