NORWICH – Despite objections from some Chenango County officials who feel the creation of a new administrative position at the county Department of Public Works would be a drain on taxpayers, a resolution authorizing funding for the proposed position was passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors this week.

The resolution allows for the creation of a line in the DPW’s budget that would fund a Second Deputy Director position to help oversee the department’s 70-plus employees at a salary of $58,000 per year.

According to DPW Superintendent Shawn Fry, the position is needed to lighten the administrative workload at the department and to have a succession plan for personnel whose retirement is imminent.

The motion to provide funding for the position was backed by the county’s Finance Committee earlier this month. However, while funding is available, county officials must come to an agreement on a local law before the position can be created.

As it stands, local law limits the DPW to one Deputy Director. The Board of Supervisors invited public comment regarding changes to the law at their monthly meeting on Monday, but nobody spoke. Now, it’s up to the Board to decide if changes will be permitted; and not all county officials are on board.