Committee backs $25,000 supplemental county funding for Pomfret reorganization study despite objections

The Chautauqua County Planning and Economic Development Committee voted to provide a $25,000 supplemental Government Reduction Initiative (GRI) allocation to the Town of Pomfret to complete a North County reorganization and shared-services study.

Dan Pakes, supervisor for the Town of Pomfret, told the committee the request fills a funding gap after one of two state grant applications was denied and that the original $50,000 local match request was reduced after receipt of one state award; he said the $25,000 would allow the study to continue and identify potential shared services or consolidations of highway and DPW functions. "We were denied that second $25,000 request, so we're back asking for an additional $25,000 to complete the study," Pakes said.

Concerns and debate: Several legislators pressed for clearer evidence of partner contributions from Dunkirk, Fredonia and Pomfret and questioned whether towns had done sufficient preliminary work before using county fund balance. One member said, "As written, I'm a hard no on this," citing the use of fund balance and asking how much partners had already invested. Other members argued the county has a role in supporting studies that could reduce long-term tax burdens and that independent consultants are necessary to avoid perceived conflicts.

Vote and outcome: After discussion, the committee adopted the resolution authorizing the supplemental $25,000; the transcript records a roll-call-style verbal outcome summary noting the resolution was adopted and passed. The committee asked staff to ensure partner involvement and recommended the study provide clear cost-impact analyses for taxpayers.

Next steps: The funded study will proceed with county support; members signaled they want documentation of partner contributions and clearer preliminary analyses before committing additional county funds.