Economy is focus of counties' conference

St. Lawrence and Jefferson county officials will head to Albany's Desmond Hotel on Monday for the annual statewide conference of counties.

The gathering sponsored by the New York State Association of Counties will focus on economic challenges and how state finances could affect county operations.

"Those are two of our priorities each and every year, but they get ratcheted up during an acute fiscal crisis like the one we're having now," Mark F. LaVigne, NYSAC spokesman, said Friday. "The governor announced this week that the deficit is actually $750 million higher than what we anticipated, so now we're looking at an $8.2 billion deficit for fiscal year 2010-2011. That is of great concern to our county officials."

He said economic development strategies also are a priority.

"The likelihood of re-emerging from this recession with renewed strength just won't happen without a strategic economic development plan coming out of Albany," Mr. LaVigne said.

Keith J. Zimmerman, St. Lawrence County's planning director, who is acting as county administrator while Karen M. St. Hilaire is on vacation, said Friday that only one lawmaker, Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur, will make the trip. Others going are Mr. Zimmerman, Ms. St. Hilaire, Public Health Director Susan J. Hathaway and Probation Director Francine M. Perretta.

"The Board of Legislators recognized in consultation among themselves that they don't need to send an army," Mr. Zimmerman said.

NYSAC conference registration is $185 per person. The conference begins Monday and ends Wednesday. Mr. Zimmerman said officials will attend Monday and Tuesday, fitting in meetings with state lawmakers both days.

Robert F. Hagemann III, Jefferson County administrator, said he, five lawmakers — Legislature Chairman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, R-Black River, Kent D. Burto, R-West Carthage, Barry M. Ormsby, R-Belleville, James D. St. Croix, D-Watertown, and Vice Chairwoman Carolyn D. Fitzpatrick, R-Watertown — and many department heads will attend.

"I think there will be a concerted outreach to state officials to get a better handle on how they're viewing the budget so we can begin preparing for the inevitable in terms of reductions in funding," Mr. Hagemann said.