Several programs at the Chemung County Cornell Cooperative Extension could be at risk if lawmakers have their way. The organization urged the county to reconsider their proposed budget at a public hearing Monday night. The county is proposing cutting $50,000 from the organization. That is a 23 percent reduction in funding. It would impact the Old McDonald’s Farm program and hurt support for the local farmers market. The county says in order to keep taxes low, cuts across the board are necessary. The Cornell Cooperative Extension says it’s requesting no more than a 10 percent cut. The county’s $173 million budget also includes a reduction in the county’s workforce. That will save the county about $2 million. They also plan to dip into their reserves. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the budget on November 25th.
