NORWICH – Despite opposition from certain officials, a resolution to reinstate the position of deputy commissioner of social services has passed the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, effectively putting a job on the county payroll that hasn’t existed in half a decade.

Board members approved reinstatement of the $98,000 salaried position following a contentious debate at their regular meeting Monday. Advocates said the position will help provide oversight of Department of Social Services (DSS) programming, improve administrative functions, and boost the department’s overall role in the community.

What’s more, the position may perform top administrative duties, including signing off on official DSS documents with hospitals and courts, and carrying out other time-sensitive responsibilities should the DSS commissioner be unavailable. It also provides a succession plan for the department after the current commissioner, Daniel Auwarter, retires from the county – something he said he doesn’t plan to do until 2029.

The department will eliminate a caseworker position and the head social welfare examiner position to offset the salary and benefit costs of the reinstated deputy commissioner. The move actually results in a $24,000 net savings to the county, according to the county’s Finance Committee.