Thirty Chemung County Jobs At Risk

Dozens of jobs could be on the line as leaders in Chemung County try to prevent a projected $6.5 million shortfall in sales tax if current trends continue. County Executive Tom Santulli recently unveiled a restructuring plan that includes cutting 30 full time jobs at a savings of $2.4 million. Santulli says most of those positions will be eliminated through attrition or retirement. The plan also includes redistribution of the sales tax and possibly privatizing the Chemung County nursing facility. Officials say in 2010, the county led the state in tax base growth. But in three short years, times have changed. Santulli says Sikorsky made a decision to close its plant because of the downturn in the defense contract. That was 1,200 jobs. And, the gas industry has become very soft in Northern Pennsylvania because of the low market price of natural gas. Santulli says a total of about 2,000 jobs were lost over the last two years. His plan will go to a vote next month.