CHENANGO COUNTY – Southern tier residents would rather receive money from a $5 billion state settlement as a one time cash payment than use that money to pay down local government debt or fund one-time capitol expenses, according to the results of a recent survey administered by state Senator Tom Libous.

Libous’ “Pocketbook Survey,” mailed to residents of Chenango, Broome, Tioga, and Delaware counties in February, sought voter input on how the state should spend the $5 billion that will be garnered from big bank settlements and fines. Of the more than 5,800 responses, a majority favored getting a one-time cash payment.