NORWICH – A $10,000 increase charged to a Chenango County mental health program that leases space at the Eaton Center in Norwich will be paid for in full by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

At a meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday, Mental Hygiene Services Director MaryAnn Spryn requested permission to accept the state aid and modify a contract with the operators of Serendipity Cafe. Space and utilities were $28,714 in 2005.

Spryn said the grant would be “a one time shot” from OMH. Money earned from sales at the cafe plus an associated shop and meeting room traditionally covers all business-associated costs, including employees.

“We hope the revenues will meet the increased lease requirement next year,” Spryn said.