AUBURN - Cayuga County's lead economic developer laid out plans for a future that may include an additional staff member or a collaboration with the city and others Wednesday.

The county would benefit from a more proactive approach to growth using the portfolio management model, Planning and Economic Development Director Stephen Lynch told members of the Planning Committee and city representatives. The model focuses on retention and expansion with the residual goal of attracting new business to a productive environment.

“Companies in the community are parts of the investment portfolio,” Lynch said, adding that like the personal finance version, it would require constant monitoring and updating.

He proposed adding a specialist to the two-man economic development office that would make regular contact with executives at businesses that already call the city home. A detailed database would help keep track.

Lynch pointed out the economic development is at its lowest funding and staffing level in 30 years. The result is a limited reactive approach to save existing businesses that ask for help and an inadequately funded business attraction strategy. The reality of a tough economy, higher utilization of broadband Internet, quick corporate site selection, globalization and changing leadership at the state level are signals for change.

Another trend is regional collaboration for development. Lynch suggested eventually the city and county could combine economic development offices.

“Cayuga County needs a single economic development voice,” he said. “In my opinion we do not need two (industrial development agencies) for a county of 89,000 people.”

City manager Mark Palesh said the city is in transition with the pending departure of Planning Economic Development Program Manager Cynthia Aikman. The city would consider eliminating duplication of services and bringing assets like energy projects and water service in a partnership that includes an appropriate share of sales tax revenue, he said.

“I think Auburn has a lot to bring to the table,” Palesh said. “We just want to share in the rest of it as well.”

Planning Committee member Michele Sedor, D-Sennett, said she would be wary of investing more money while businesses and people leave the state because of high taxes and energy costs.

“I'm not sure if we put in a standalone office or another person it's going to make a difference with what's going on in Albany,” she said.

Christopher Palermo, R-Sterling, suggested setting money for the portfolio management position in the Planning and Economic Development Office contingency budget so it would be available should a decision be made within the next year. Moving the money would require a two-third majority vote from the Legislature.

Chairman Daniel Schuster, D-Auburn, said the committee could discuss Lynch's proposal further as the 2008 budget develops.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net