Montgomery County farming post sought

By Steven Cook
Gazette Reporter

February 22, 2002
FONDA - Approval for the continuation of an agricultural marketing position could come next week.

A joint meeting of the county's finance and economic development committees passed the plan on to the full Board of Supervisors earlier this week.

"Hopefully this will bring this forward and out in the open so people will realize what's going on" with agriculture, said Supervisor William Hisert, R-Palatine. "They may be able to get some more private funding to help support this."

Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking $15,000 from the county to pay for the annual salary of a part-time agricultural development position.

The position, currently titled coordinator for the agricultural economic development project, markets the county to prospective farmers and has helped strike deals to sell county produce in local supermarkets.

Dona Tyler, who currently holds the position, is now attempting to connect area farmers with area restaurants to buy produce and meats locally.

In their decision to pass the funding request on to the full board, some supervisors were concerned what would happen with the position in the future.

Cornell requested in 2002 budget talks to earmark $56,000 from the county to fund the position full-time. That was cut to $32,000 by county Administrator Scott Schrader in his proposed budget.

The Board of Supervisors eliminated the item as part of cuts to trim a 16 percent proposed tax increase to 6 percent.

With the lack of funding from the board in the 2002 budget, Cornell officials have sought supplemental sources of money, prompting the $15,000 request.

Board Chairman Ron Barone, R-Amsterdam, Ward 3, questioned what would happen in future years if the other funding would run out.

"There's nothing wrong with the position, but what are we going to do when we find one year all of a sudden we no longer have the money to fund it anymore?" Barone said.

Supervisor Robert McMahon, R-Canajoharie, suggested the 10 county towns kick in money for the program, since the farms are in the towns.

Also Tuesday, the personnel committee supported the reappointment of Michael Yevoli to another four-year term as economic opportunity and development director.

A plan to extend 12-hour shifts for Montgomery County sheriff's deputies through June 30 was also supported and sent to the full board for action.

Posted May 5, 2002