VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - Otsego County could be adding a county administrator.
The Otsego County Board of Representatives is set to consider the position on Wednesday, December 4th.
A county administrator is similar to a county manager or executive. They help oversee county government. An administrator and manager are appointed, while an executive is elected.
According to the New York Association of Counties, 22 counties across the state have an administrator. For Representative Gary Koutnik, Otsego County is too big not to have an administrator
“As time has gone on and things have gotten more complicated other counties have taken on this position successfully and almost kind of left us behind,” he said.
According to the proposed law, the position is not intended to take power away from the Board of Representatives and the salary will be determined by the board on an annual basis.
Representative Ed Frazier thinks that money could be better spent. "What other critical needs are there in the county?" he asked. "Whether it’s substance abuse, road patrol, improvements to our infrastructure. Those needs are still there."
The proposal will be considered as part of the board's regular meeting at 10 A.M. on Wednesday. A public hearing on the position is scheduled for 9:30 A.M.