AUBURN - County lawmakers have officially taken the first step toward a first-stop economic development agency.

But not without some questions from government leaders and private residents.

The Planning and Economic Development Committee of the Cayuga County Legislature passed a resolution Monday to fund a new development agency. The proposal calls for a new organization to retain and attract businesses by connecting them with local agencies that could meet their needs.

The full Legislature must now approve the proposal, which asks the county to fund the new agency's annual budget, estimated at $225,000, for three years.

The Cayuga County Industrial Development Authority has also offered $50,000 annually.

Private and public officials discussed intentions and expectations during the committee meeting. Most of the people who spoke agreed the entity is necessary and a good start toward strengthening the local economy.

But there were still some questions about funding commitments and who will be involved.

How can the county gauge the organization's success, Legislator Christopher Palermo asked. And where might the agency find future funds?

“I'd like to know whether we're winning or losing,” Palermo said.

Legislators also inquired about budget issues and time lines, asking how quickly the public should expect to see results. And there was discussion about how local labor representatives might be involved.

Dave Arnold, of the Cayuga County Labor Council, said he is concerned about whether they will have a seat at the table, as the 15-member board does not include anyone from a labor organization.

But Arnold is confident government and business leaders will work with labor leaders, he said.

“We're all in this together,” Arnold said.

The answers to many of these questions will come as the agency moves forward, Tom Lewis from Johnston Paper told attendees. Lewis, who is a proposed board member, said budget numbers will be clearer as prospective staff members are hired.

Revenue streams will become clearer as that staff gets to work, and the county will eventually have a way to gauge the organization's success, he said.

“We're going to have to come up with a scorecard,” Lewis said. “We'll give you the scorecard as it's being developed.”

Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Director Andrew Fish warned against setting early expectations on things like time lines, revenues and jobs created. When it comes to economic development, these things come as opportunities present themselves, he said.

“Sometimes, these things take time,” said Fish, whose position with the chamber would put him on the agency's board.

But Cynthia Aikman, a legislator on the planning committee, said she wants to see more before committing money to the agency. Aikman proposed modifying the contract and making the second and third years contingent on the agency being able to provide its own funds.

She also said she would like to see things like a certificate of incorporation and clear bylaws completed before the proposal moves forward.

“I think this is a great first proposal,” said Aikman, who was the sole vote against the resolution.

“I don't believe this business plan is quite ready yet,” she said later.

The current proposal would set up a non-profit organization that serves as a “first-stop” agency for economic development. Any business looking to locate, expand, or stay in Cayuga County would first deal with the agency, which would direct the businesses to other local development entities and resources.

If approved, the 15-member board will include a private-sector majority, with some public officials included.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.