NORWICH – A game of musical chairs got kick-started Tuesday when the county’s board chairman recommended that a number of government offices switch places.

The moves would take place next year as the estimated $2 million in demolition and exterior renovations are completed at the former Sheriff’s Office and Chenango County Jail on West Park Place in Norwich. An architectural firm is currently completing material selections and contract documentation for the project.

Members of the Agriculture, Buildings & Grounds Committee passed a resolution yesterday onto consideration by the full board of supervisors that calls for moving the Chenango County Department of Social Services administration, legal and information technology offices from the County Office Building on Court Street over to the two buildings. A division of DSS already operates from a renovated portion of the old jail.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard B. Decker’s executive suite, which includes the county attorney’s offices, along with the boardroom, Personnel Department and Clerk of the Board’s offices would move into the vacated space. Some Mental Hygiene Services offices on the third floor of the County Office Building would move into Decker’s former suite, leaving the entire third floor available for use by New York’s Sixth Judicial District Court.

The office switches are meant to accommodate the district’s requirements for additional secure space in the county - including for a future second judgeship - as well as take advantage of any cost efficiencies.