Each Thursday, we put one of our local newsmakers On The Spot. This week: Cayuga County legislator David Axton
This week's question: The idea of moving the county office building out of downtown was considered and rejected once in the past. Why has that possibility resurfaced?
Increasing energy costs, major deficiencies in our buildings, and the need to make county government smaller and more efficient, has led us as a legislature to revisit the idea of a county government campus. We recently received the results of a study of all of our buildings and quite frankly, we have some serious structural and code deficiencies that will cost the taxpayers between $30 and $35 million to repair.
It is my opinion that we can save the taxpayers $10 to $15 million dollars by building a new facility that would bring virtually all of our departments and services under one roof. By building a “green” energy efficient and sustainable building, we can dramatically decrease the size of government and increase our level of efficiency and service to the community.
Consolidation is a term that seems to be popping up all over the media lately. With ever-increasing energy and operational costs, all levels of government will need to look at how they do business and look for ways to be more efficient and cost conscious. A campus facility would allow departments and services that have been housed in separate buildings throughout the county, to work together under one roof. This will allow the county to share personnel, equipment, vehicles, and information much more efficiently and cost effectively.
The location of the new facility has been a topic of debate. I have been a strong proponent of building this facility adjacent to the Public Safety Building for many reasons, mainly due to the fact we would be able to use sustainable energy generated by the digester project that is being constructed at the site.
However, I would support fully any location recommended by a future feasibility study.
We find ourselves with an exciting opportunity to save millions of dollars by building a new facility, while at the same time insuring lower energy and operational costs for decades to come. Change can sometimes seem painful, but we need to keep an open mind and remember the old adage, “no pain no gain.”
Dave Axton
Cayuga County Legislator District 3
Port Byron, NY
If you have an On The Spot question, call news editor Mike Dowd at 253-5311 ext. 234 or
e-mail michael.dowd@lee.net
Increasing energy costs, major deficiencies in our buildings, and the need to make county government smaller and more efficient, has led us as a legislature to revisit the idea of a county government campus. We recently received the results of a study of all of our buildings and quite frankly, we have some serious structural and code deficiencies that will cost the taxpayers between $30 and $35 million to repair.
It is my opinion that we can save the taxpayers $10 to $15 million dollars by building a new facility that would bring virtually all of our departments and services under one roof. By building a “green” energy efficient and sustainable building, we can dramatically decrease the size of government and increase our level of efficiency and service to the community.
Consolidation is a term that seems to be popping up all over the media lately. With ever-increasing energy and operational costs, all levels of government will need to look at how they do business and look for ways to be more efficient and cost conscious. A campus facility would allow departments and services that have been housed in separate buildings throughout the county, to work together under one roof. This will allow the county to share personnel, equipment, vehicles, and information much more efficiently and cost effectively.
The location of the new facility has been a topic of debate. I have been a strong proponent of building this facility adjacent to the Public Safety Building for many reasons, mainly due to the fact we would be able to use sustainable energy generated by the digester project that is being constructed at the site.
However, I would support fully any location recommended by a future feasibility study.
We find ourselves with an exciting opportunity to save millions of dollars by building a new facility, while at the same time insuring lower energy and operational costs for decades to come. Change can sometimes seem painful, but we need to keep an open mind and remember the old adage, “no pain no gain.”
Dave Axton
Cayuga County Legislator District 3
Port Byron, NY
If you have an On The Spot question, call news editor Mike Dowd at 253-5311 ext. 234 or
e-mail michael.dowd@lee.net
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 21 comment(s)
horseradish wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:35 PM:
where is that example i had requested of where such a move of abandoning the county seat actually turned out to be a good idea? "
horseradish wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:33 PM:
I think the same argument would be used for sprawl. While there is plenty of room inside THE PRINCIPAL CITY AND SEAT of the county, you would like to move it somewhere only accessible by an automobile. THAT IS THE DEFINITION OF SPRAWL!
i am definitely not arguing that a new building shouldn't be built, i believe that is has to be done. JUST NOT OUTSIDE THE CITY! TERRIBLE TERRIBLE IDEA.
like you said, auburn isn't the entire county, just 1/3rd of it. "
ChrisGordon wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:26 AM:
I have to admit having it on Genesee Street is nice because I work very close and do not have to drive to go to the DMV but I am not the only resident that uses the facility. Also last time I checked, Auburn was not Cayuga County. I am sure the residents of Weedsport, Port Byron, Sennett, Aurelius, Union Springs, Cato, etc. would agree. "
horseradish wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:41 AM:
What are some examples of your idea working? It sets a terrible precedent and at a time when gas prices are rising so high, you think it sets a good example to further sprawl in the area? "
ChrisGordon wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:51 PM:
The other thing would be that the area vacated by the county moving. That is a premier spot in downtown and could be used for apartments or a brand new hotel. Bring something to downtown that is a revenue generator and you will see other things grow around it. Maybe the next time Excenyer comes to visit, he could sit in the window seat of the new corner bistro. "
horseradish wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:59 AM:
so, because you have lived in auburn your whole life, you know about potholes? if you have lived there your whole life, then what do you have to compare it against. someone who is not from the area but has recently moved to the area, but does notice a significant improvement in the roads compared to their previous location would be able to compare much easier and more efficiently. sorry, you are wrong, the roads are LOVELY! "
excnyer wrote on Jul 12, 2008 11:42 AM:
I've lived in CNY for all my life (until 7 months ago) so I know about potholes. I've seen downtown Auburn's Genesee Street when you could actually shop (Nugents, Big Store, Hislops, Kalets), sit at the lunch counters at H.L. Greens and W.T. Grants, buy groceries at the Mohican Market, A&P and visit the five and dime stores Woolworth's and JJ Newberry. So, don't tell me that Auburn is not dying. City officials (Mayor Lattimore) thought that urban renewal was a good idea, but all it did was tighten the noose around our city's neck. So for someone who's not from Auburn, I don't think your comments have much merit. "
jlmorgansr wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:07 PM:
The county just spent millions buying a new building for the DA's office, and then spent even more money on renovations to accommodate the DA and his staff. What's to become of that building? Did the county waste the taxpayers money on that building? Are they going to use that building or are they going to sell it?
The voters had a chance to change the leadership at the county level and they failed, now we are forced to live with those consequences. Frivolous spending at the county level is rampant, I urge everyone to call their respective legislator and tell them you are against this plan. Last year the county raised our taxes at an unprecedented rate, for the county to continue down this path is unwarranted and is placing additional burdens on an already over taxed property owner. Tell them NO!
The taxpayers of Auburn and Cayuga County are over taxed now, this community cannot afford to sustain the current level of spending. When will these so called elected representatives (BIG SPENDERS) realize this and act accordingly?
So far only the City has been responsive to the concerns of the constituents, the County and the Schools have demonstrated nothing but self importance and ignorance. "
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:22 PM:
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:21 PM:
i did not say look up and down the east coast, I SAID TO LOOK AROUND NYS. you think auburn is doing bac? you should check out ALL OF WNY! auburn is doing amazing compared to those cities and towns. And, I'm not even from auburn, but it is actually doing very well compared. As to the taxes in auburn, they also aren't bad compared to other areas. Do some research. "
excnyer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:21 AM:
As a matter of fact, I've seen many cities/villages up and down the east coast that are in better shape than Auburn. Can you say new construction, new businesses, no parking meters on the streets, free parking lots, renovation of old buildings in the downtown area, roads devoid of potholes (oops...that was in the area where they don't get snow). The taxpayers in Auburn are not getting their monies worth from the taxes they are paying. There is one village in upstate NY called Lorraine. It's in the Redfield area. That is the only village that I can say should be leveled and rebuilt. "
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 AM:
to those who think a new building or renovation doesn't need to be done, you are very wrong. go to any county that is growing, you have to have a nice building that developers aren't laughing at when they come to town. have any of you even been in the county building before?
JUST DON'T MOVE IT OUT OF THE CITY! "
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:24 AM:
excnyer wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:19 PM:
irritated wrote on Jul 8, 2008 6:40 AM:
hilltop wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:49 AM:
anonymous wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:03 AM:
cm wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:07 AM:
Public Service should be where all have easy access to--DOWNTOWN: in the center of town!!!
There are plenty of opening buildings that can be restored/go green especially since most of the stores have closed up!
How about the whole use of the
ex-Nolans area?
OR reclose the state street mall area AGAIN--move the tenants there to the main run of downtown and Use each location for different PUBLIC service? "
Boonhopper wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:26 PM:
Jim wrote on Jul 3, 2008 3:41 PM:
horseradish wrote on Jul 3, 2008 3:03 PM:
A better alternative would be to buy some of the "brownfields" that exist between the arterials in downtown auburn and redevelop it into a county office complex.
Moving it out of the city is ENCOURAGING SPRAWL! people would HAVE TO DRIVE THERE!
TERRIBLE TERRIBLE IDEA.
Why doesn't the county instead make a precedent that shows they are willing to invest in the COUNTIES LARGEST CITY!
Show some courage and help, DON'T HURT THE COUNTIES LARGEST MUNICIPALITY! "