Broome County To Form Office of Energy Development

The Broome County Legislature is getting set to vote on creating an Office of Energy Development for the county and rumors are speculating that it may be in anticipation of gas drilling going forth in New York State. Lawmakers will vote on an agreement with the County Industrial Development Agency for part of the funding. Broome County Executive Debbie Preston publicly discussed plans to create the office on several occasions. The office would have a $200,000 budget for this year including salaries and benefits for two employees: a director with a salary of $57,000 and an energy initiatives coordinator with a of $48,000.