NORWICH – A proposal to create an umbrella agency to oversee three existing departments in Chenango County government has been given the greenlight by the county’s health and human services committee.

The theoretical “Human Service Committee,” yet to get final approval from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, would house the county’s department of social services as well as the Preston Manor home for adults. Officials are also entertaining the idea of grouping in the Area Agency on Aging (AAOA), which will result in a controversial restructuring of the agency.

Proponents argue that an umbrella agency will add a layer of financial oversight for these departments, each operating under the authority of a human service committee commissioner. However, the inclusion of AAOA has been a sticking point for a community skeptical that changes to the department will result in a loss of services for the elderly populace.

Chenango County Social Services Commissioner Daniel Auwarter defended the proposal during a presentation to the county’s human services committee on Monday, claiming that mismanagement of AAOA in recent years contributed to a 37 percent increase to the department’s overall budget since 2021, even while the number of elderly residents has remained static. He cited the creation of senior-level positions in the department as a leading factor.