NORWICH — Riddled with roof leaks, questionable health effects, and located in a flood plain, The Department of Works (DPW) highway buildings and garage is a subject of concern for not only employees, but also the Chenango County Board of Supervisors.

Preston Supervisor Zachary Meseck said he recently toured three buildings used by the DPW on Rexford Street in Norwich, after hearing concerns.

He said the DPW facility has been deteriorating for years, “I entered three buildings in the DPW compound a few weeks ago, and each had water leaks in employee workspaces. My understanding is that one roof has since been patched, but the others haven't.”

He said employees informed him the disrepair had persisted since they had been hired and gone unaddressed for a number of years. He estimated the issues had formed with the last five years or perhaps longer.

“We have tens of millions of dollars in savings,” Meseck said. “It doesn't matter if they're road crew or the admin team; there is no excuse for such poor work conditions. Especially when serious health hazards like asbestos exposure may be involved.”

Meseck noted the same neglect is apparent in the Chenango County Office Building and said there is condensation leaking on people's heads and a roof leak that occasionally needs a bucket or two to collect the water.