NORWICH – Right off the bat for 2008, Chenango County financial leaders were forced to dip into contingency provisions and this year’s allocation of tobacco settlement damage award funds in order to cover shortfalls.

The budget for a heating and air conditioning system needed in the data processing department fell $11,000 short during budget discussions in December. A handful of departments were directed to split the cost of the $51,000 unit, however supervisors sitting on the Health and Human Services Committee lobbied out of applying Area Agency on Aging funds. The committee, led by a motion from Town of New Berlin Supervisor Ross Iannello, elected to purchase a supply of lifeline units for seniors instead.

Information Technology Director Frank Tiffany said he had hoped to have the unit installed in May. County Treasurer William E. Evans suggested the application of tobacco settlement funds, which are expected to be in the $200,000 to $250,000 range upon receipt in April.

Town of Guilford Supervisor Alton B. Doyle made the motion to approve the appropriation. The motion carried.

For the Public Health Department, the committee directed Codes Enforcement Officer Bruce Bates to acquire a 4-wheel drive automobile to replace one of the department’s three vehicles that was totaled in December.

Evans again suggested applying contingency, tobacco or surplus funding streams to cover the approximately $15,500 expenditure. Committee Vice Chairman Dennis Brown, D-Pharsalia, suggested using contingency.