Herkimer County Lawmakers Share Their Outlook For 2013
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: January 2, 2013
As the New Year gets underway, several area counties are reviewing their
goals for 2013. Yesterday we took you to Otsego County and today we're
taking you to Herkimer County.
Herkimer County lawmakers say they're ready to tackle the new year. Their $96 million dollar budget went into effect January 1st. And now they say the most important issues are job and business growth.
"Jobs is number 1. The nano site in Marcy is probably the most important project going," says Jim Wallace, Herkimer County administrator.
Wallace says that more than 10,000 of Herkimer County's residents work in Oneida County. He says the construction of the long-talked about computer chip fabrication plant in Marcy is a top priority.
"When you look around, that's really the game changer that's out there for the region.So we're anxious to see if something can happen in this year," says Wallace.
Another hot topic has been the building of the Herkimer County Jail. And the county administrator says with interest rates at a record low, construction can be completed for under $35 million dollars.
"The majority of the legislature still believes it the right decision to build the jail. We believe over the next 4-5 years, we'd save over 700,000 for taxpayers," says Wallace.
The Herkimer mayor says following a tight budget is his plan.
"Continue to make sure the village is fiscally solid for the new year and we're anticipating new business growth. We're extending sewer lines, as well as improvements down by the college and Herkimer High School to improve flooding conditions," says Mark Ainsworth, Herkimer mayor.
The Little Falls mayor agrees growth is the key to success. His goal is to bring new business to his city.
"A store that's open 24 hours a day will create more jobs and I think that's good for our area," says Robert Peters, Little Falls mayor.
Mayor Peters is referring to the new Price Chopper that will be opening in Little Falls. He hopes this big project will lead to even more business creation.
"Having a brand name store like that; Other people may look at it and say maybe we should start our business in Little Falls and I think that's good for our area," says Mayor Peters.
And the Herkimer County Board of Legislators will meet next Wednesday afternoon to discuss its 2013 plans.
Herkimer County lawmakers say they're ready to tackle the new year. Their $96 million dollar budget went into effect January 1st. And now they say the most important issues are job and business growth.
"Jobs is number 1. The nano site in Marcy is probably the most important project going," says Jim Wallace, Herkimer County administrator.
Wallace says that more than 10,000 of Herkimer County's residents work in Oneida County. He says the construction of the long-talked about computer chip fabrication plant in Marcy is a top priority.
"When you look around, that's really the game changer that's out there for the region.So we're anxious to see if something can happen in this year," says Wallace.
Another hot topic has been the building of the Herkimer County Jail. And the county administrator says with interest rates at a record low, construction can be completed for under $35 million dollars.
"The majority of the legislature still believes it the right decision to build the jail. We believe over the next 4-5 years, we'd save over 700,000 for taxpayers," says Wallace.
The Herkimer mayor says following a tight budget is his plan.
"Continue to make sure the village is fiscally solid for the new year and we're anticipating new business growth. We're extending sewer lines, as well as improvements down by the college and Herkimer High School to improve flooding conditions," says Mark Ainsworth, Herkimer mayor.
The Little Falls mayor agrees growth is the key to success. His goal is to bring new business to his city.
"A store that's open 24 hours a day will create more jobs and I think that's good for our area," says Robert Peters, Little Falls mayor.
Mayor Peters is referring to the new Price Chopper that will be opening in Little Falls. He hopes this big project will lead to even more business creation.
"Having a brand name store like that; Other people may look at it and say maybe we should start our business in Little Falls and I think that's good for our area," says Mayor Peters.
And the Herkimer County Board of Legislators will meet next Wednesday afternoon to discuss its 2013 plans.
