2 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
Opportunity
`What I’m saying is we need to look at everything.’ — Betty Anne Schwerd, R-Burlington, Administration Committee member
The Otsego County Courthouse, left, and Office Building, right, on Main Street in Cooperstown is seen in April 2008.
Otsego County eyes cuts in weak economy
Expected drop in
sales tax revenue
hurts budget,
county reps say
By Tom Grace
Cooperstown Bureau
COOPERSTOWN _ As sales
tax collections slump dur-
ing the 2009 recession, Otsego
County government is work-
ing to restrain expenses in the
short term, and create more ef-
ficient ways to deliver services
in the future.
With a lively tourism indus-
try and a busy shopping district
on Oneonta’s Southside, Otsego
County has for years counted on
growing sales tax revenue. And
until the last half of 2008, collec-
tions had increased enough to
allow the county budget to ex-
pand nearly every year, even as
the property tax levy remained
nearly flat.
Not anymore.
Although the county does not
receive final accounting figures
from the state until months af-
ter taxes are collected, pre-
liminary numbers indicate that
people are buying less, generat-
ing less tax.
The 2009 county budget calls
About this section:
This supplement to The Daily Star
was edited and designed by Daily Star
Lifestyle and Special Sections Editor
Denielle Ziemba.
The cover was designed by Daily
Star Assistant Arts Manager David M.
Fredette.
Stories were written by Daily Star
staff writers Mark Boshnack, Patricia
Breakey, Tom Grace, Jake Palmateer
and Denise Richardson, supervised by
Managing Editor Cary Brunswick.
Most of the photographs were taken
and processed by Daily Star staff pho-
tographers Julie Lewis and Brit Wor-
gan.
Community Editor Emily Popek
proofed the pages.
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for collecting $33 million in
sales tax, but James Johnson,
R-Otsego, chairman of the coun-
ty’s Administration Committee,
said the county may come up
about 5 percent short of that
this year.
``There have been some en-
couraging signs, particularly
in the tourism industry, but I
think we have to plan for the
worst, while we hope for the
best,’’ Johnson said.
Toward that end, the board
has tightened its purchasing
policy, requiring all equipment
purchases to be approved by
parent com-
mittees and
the Adminis-
tration Com-
mittee, reduc-
ing the cost
of purchases
that need
parent com-
mittee OKs
from $10,000
to $5,000, and
Schwerd requiring all
purchases of $10,000 or more to
be reviewed by the Administra-
tion Committee.
``We just want to be sure
that everything we’re buying is
needed,’’ Johnson said.
The Administration Commit-
tee and other board members
also have been discussing a
policy of reducing the county
May 30, 2009
Star file photo by Julie Lewis
`There have been some encouraging
The Mental Health Depart-
ment, Chemical Dependencies
signs, particularly in the
Clinic and Planning Depart-
ment are among other county
tourism industry, but I think
operations that are not mandat-
ed by the state, Schwerd said.
we have to plan for the
County Board Chairman
James Powers, R-Butternuts,
agreed that board members
worst, while we hope for the need to be creative if they are
to pare expenses during a reces-
best.’ sion _ a time when services may
be needed more than usual.
However, every proposed
— James Johnson, R-Otsego, reduction needs close scrutiny
Administration Committee chairman to ensure that it will pay divi-
workforce through attrition, he As an example, she cited dends in the long term, he said.
said. the Public Defender’s Office, ```Not man-
``There wouldn’t be layoffs, which has a budget of more dated’ is one
but when someone leaves, we than $900,000 a year. thing. `Not
wouldn’t hire someone new,’’ While the county is obligated needed’ is
he said. to ensure that poor defendants something
Johnson said the county has are represented by lawyers, else,’’ Pow-
more than 800 employees, hun- it does not need to operate a ers said. For
dreds more than just a few years department to do accomplish example, al-
ago, and this initiative might this. though New
gradually control the county’s ``All you really need is a list York state
labor cost. of attorneys and someone to does not re-
Betty Anne Schwerd, R-Burl- make sure that every defendant quire coun-
Powers ties to have
ington, a member of the Admin- gets an attorney,’’ she said.
istration Committee, noted that In many cases, when there is planning de-
Otsego County provides many a conflict of interest, indigent partments, they can be revenue
services that are not mandated defendants are represented producers, which also improve
by the state. Whole departments by assigned counsel rather the the quality of life, he said.
need not exist under state law, Public Defender’s Office, she ``Our Planning Department
although there may be good said. By eliminating the office, brought in more than $1 million
reasons to keep them, she said. all needy defendants would re- in grants last year, so I wouldn’t
``What I’m saying is we need ceive assigned lawyers and the say we’d be ahead of the game if
to look at everything,’’ Schwerd county might save considerable we didn’t have one,’’ he said.
said. money. See OTSEGO on Page 8
 May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 3

Delaware County watching every dollar

Officials: High
unemployment,
state mandates
hurt finances
By Tom Grace
Cooperstown Bureau
These are not the best
of fiscal times in Dela-
ware County, but times
could get worse, and that
concerns James Eisel,
chairman of the Delaware
County Board of Supervi-
sors.
``Sometimes I feel like
we’re passing the buck,
but there’s only so much
you can do at the county
level,’’ he said.
``For years, we’ve been
talking about state man-
dates and they’re still
coming,’’ he said. Along
with state mandates, often
there are commitments to
state funding.
But state commitments
are subject to revision, of-
ten with little notice, he
added.
``Let me tell you about
one I just found out about.
When someone violates
their parole and has to go
back to jail, we have been Star file photos by Julie Lewis

paid $37-a-day by the state Above: The Senator

to keep them in jail. Charles D. Cook County
``Now, the state has
decided it won’t pay that
Office Building on Main
anymore,’’ said Eisel. ``I Street in Delhi. Right:
checked with the sheriff The Delaware County
and last year, that would Courthouse at the edge
have cost us $66,000.’’ of Courthouse Square in
So, this year, former Delhi.
offenders had better stay
out of trou-
ble, or the
county’s fi- `It was hard to believe
nances may
take a hit, he that (state leaders) would
said.
``It sounds even think of
like a small
thing, but raising spend-
nothing’s
small this ing again
year,’’ Eisel
said. ``We’re this year...
doing every-
thing we can they refused
think of to of their prescriptions,’’ ployment problem, a rate unemployment has cut lect sales tax. All that
save mon- to make he said. ``I’ve heard from over 10 percent. Fortu- down on people’s shop- portends a very difficult
ey.’’ people who are very grate- nately, people can collect ping.’’ 2010 budget year, he said,
Stephen the hard decisions they ful for that.’’ unemployment benefits And when people don’t unless the economy re-
Acquario, The bottom line, and there is a federal ex- shop, counties and other bounds in the next six
executive di- should have, and put ev- though, is that counties tension, but I’m sure that municipalities don’t col- months.
rector of the have only a few ways to
erything off for later.’ collect money, Eisel not-
New York
Association ed. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE™
of Counties, — Delaware County Board Departments may
noted that Chairman James Eisel charge for services, but
state politi- most of a county’s money
cians have new positions, and we’re comes from property tax-
talked about reducing not filling jobs unless we es and sales tax, he said.
property taxes, but con- absolutely have to,’’ he And in mid-May, it ap-
tinue to raise them indi- said. pears that sales tax reve-
rectly. The county also is striv- nue for Delaware County
“Despite recent talk ing to help residents in will be substantially low-
of reducing the property ways that don’t cost much, er for the year.
tax burden facing hom- he noted. ``We might collect $2
eowners and businesses ``We’ve adopted the million less than last
in New York state, state Pro-Act Drug Plan, so year, and that’s not good,’’
leaders continue to push people without health in- Eisel said.
costs down to county surance can afford some ``We’ve got an unem-
property taxpayers, who

America is
are already facing fiscal
pressures of their own,”
he said in an e-mail to The
Daily Star. “State lead-

Planning
ers need to do more than
talk about property taxes.
They need to make dif-
ficult spending decisions

On Us
that are going to reduce
Celebrating
property taxes.’’
The change in who pays 60 YEARS
to house parole violators 1949-2009
was part of the 2009-10
budget, he said.
Another change in the
budget _ reform of the
Rockefeller drug laws
_ also will cost counties
more, according to Ac- A common sense approach
quario.
State officials had in-
tended to cut down on
state costs of imprisoning
nonviolent offenders, he Plain old common sense. We
wrote.
However “most of the don’t create problems. We solve
convicted drug offend-
ers will now end up in them. We do it with personal
local correctional facili-
ties, with the costs being
service and attention to detail.
picked up by county prop- People say that they notice a
erty taxpayers.’’
Eisel said he some- difference here. Open a small
times listens in amaze-
ment at the way the state We’re located in Sidney, their AT-A-Glance®, account and give us a try. If you
NY, but the products we Mead®, Cambridge® or
handles its finances.
``It was hard to believe make are used every Day Runner® product to like what you see, move all of
that they would even
think of raising spending
minute of every day by
people from all walks of
plan or organize their
busy lives.
your financial services over to us.
again this year,’’ he said. life throughout America.
But as soon as state lead- We’re proud to be a part
ers knew they could use This very minute, of their lives and proud to THERE IS A DIFFERENCE™

SFCU
federal stimulus money to
shore up the budget, ``they
hundreds of people be a part of the local
refused to make the hard somewhere are using community.
decisions they should
have, and put everything
off for later.’’
Against a backdrop Sidney Federal Credit Union
of international reces-
sion, record federal defi- Consumer & Office Products With offices in:
cits and irresponsible 101 O’Neil Road • Bainbridge • Greene • Hancock • Norwich • Oneonta • Walton • Sidney
state spending, Delaware
County officials are work- Sidney, NY 13838 Toll Free: 1-877-642-SFCU (7328)
ing to conserve every dol- 607-563-9411 • www.mwv.com www.sfcuonline.org
lar, Eisel said.
``We’re not creating
4 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

City of Oneonta moves forward on plans

Mayor credits
good budgeting
for ability to
continue projects
By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer
ONEONTA _ The city
of Oneonta is doing well
in the recession and is
positioned to move for-
ward through the remain-
der of the year, according
to Mayor John Nader.
“We really began
working on the ’09 budget
very early in anticipation
of possible stagnation
on sales tax (revenue)
and possible loss of state
aid,” Nader said.
The city also inherited
healthy finances from
past governments, he
said.
“Some important proj-
ects are going to be mov-
ing ahead,” Nader said.
These include the
reconstruction of Bugbee
Road, and the Veterans
Memorial Walkway in
Neahwa Park.
The city has been
judicious in planning for
these and other projects,
Nader said. Star photo by Julie Lewis
Unlike many cities in
the state and country, Oneonta City Hall on Main Street in Oneonta is seen on April 27.
Oneonta has not been
forced into layoffs or
major cuts in service. `Certainly, I am con-
Many cities have imposed
hiring freezes _ but not cerned about (down-
Oneonta.
“We haven’t had a real
discussion of that at this
town) vacancies. Retail
point,” Nader said.
Nader said there
is going through a
seems to be less anxi-
ety over the state of the very rough patch.’
economy now than at the
start of the year, and city
— Oneonta Mayor John Nader
administrators and the As the recession runs Oneonta, as well as two
workforce are always its course, demand for major health care provid-
seeking ways to tighten space downtown may ers, A.O. Fox Memorial
the belt. pick up, Nader said. Hospital and Bassett
But he said it may take But lack of space Healthcare.
time for two key econom- downtown is not current- “We have something
ic indicators _ sales tax ly the problem. of a brand as a college
revenues and the unem- “Certainly, I am con-
ployment rate _ to show town,” Nader said.
cerned about vacancies. Although Oneonta is a
improvement. Retail is going through a
“I don’t think they will college town, it has seen
very rough patch,” Nader a burgeoning summer
Star photo by Brit Worgan
turn around right away,” Plans for revamping the former Bresee’s building on Main Street, seen here
said. tourist season sparked, in
Nader said.
The recession took
Whether it is govern- a large part, by families May 18, are moving forward, despite the poor economy.
ment or the private sec- of children attending any
hold just as the city and
tor, these are challenging of the area’s three base-
Otsego County Develop-
times, Nader said. ball camps.
ment Corp. solidified
plans for the former Bre- “I think everyone
But how much the
see’s complex. A devel- needs to know it is a very
recession will affect
oper was hired to design competitive environment
downtown this summer
and perform the work, out there,” he said.
season is still unclear.
which has so far not ad- Oneonta itself is a
smaller city than it used “I’m going to be
vanced much beyond the very curious about the
conceptual phase. to be. The population
of the city dipped from tourist season,” Nader
But Nader said city said. “We’ll just have to
residents will begin to 13,954 in 1990 to 13,292
in 2000, according to the weather that.”
see activity at the site, in-
U.S. Census Bureau. The Nader said he always
cluding the tearing down
population was estimated encourages the area’s
of the metal facade.
“It is moving forward,” to be 13,225 in 2007, ac- year-round residents to
Nader said. cording to the bureau. spend time on Oneonta’s
The renovation could But Nader said the Main Street and said the
“come on line at the right city is at an advantage city is planning a public
time,” Nader said. compared to other small awareness campaign
Because of the reces- cities in the state due to about the benefits of
sion, attracting tenants the presence of Hart- shopping and spending
right now would be a wick College, the State time in the city’s down-
struggle, he said. University College at town area.
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 5

`The town is
in very good
shape finan-
cially. We cut
taxes last year
by 6 percent.
We’ll just con-
tinue to budget
conservative-
ly.’
— Oneonta Town
Supervisor
Robert Wood

Star photo by Brit Worgan

The Oneonta Town Hall in West Oneonta is seen May 7.

Oneonta supervisor predicts growth

Drops in state `I still think we
aid, sales tax
have a great
a concern,
officials say deal
to
By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer offer
The town of Oneonta
has weathered the re-
with
cession well and faces
continued growth in the
where
near future, according to
town officials. we’re
But it must remain fis-
cally cautious, they said. located. We do
In terms of its opera-
tions, the government in have a lovely,
the town is well-posi-
tioned to move forward, lovely place to
Town Supervisor Robert
Wood said.
“I think we are going
live.’
to be OK,” Wood said. — Town Councilwoman
Oneonta _ a half-hour Star file photo by Julie Lewis
drive from Cooperstown The National Soccer Hall of Fame complex, with the Wright National Soccer Campus and museum
Marie Lusins
_ is a way station for
National Baseball Hall of
building in the background, is seen in April 2008.
Fame-bound tourists and above $4 per gallon. water district, as well as
a destination in its own Wood said it is not a water tower on county
right in the summer time. clear what bearing that Route 47, Lusins said.
The town offers sev- had on the local tourism The sewer and water
eral hotels, many restau- industry, as well as the district _ estimated at
rants and big-box retail, sales tax that is returned $6 million _ is in the
mostly centered around to local government. planning phase and, if
the Southside area. “I don’t think there completed, could serve
It is also home to the was any significant im- to encourage even more
National Soccer Hall of pact,” Wood said. growth in the town, Wood
Fame. But Town Councilwom- said.
The town had a slight an Marie Lusins said it is Business looking to
growth in population only a matter of time. relocate prefer moving
between 1990 and 2000, “I see a huge drop in to a location that has mu-
according to the census tourism,” said Lusins, nicipal sewer and water,
records. who owns a bed-and- Wood said.
During that breakfast in the The district was origi-
time, the town town. nally intended to be con-
grew from 4,963 That drop structed at the same time
people to 4,994. began last year as the Southside highway
Over the and Lusins said project, but the town can
same pe- all indications are move forward on its own
riod, the city of that it will con- even if the highway proj-
Oneonta, which tinue through this ect is dead, Wood said.
is located in, summer season. The town has applied
but indepen- “This year it’s for federal stimulus
dent from the really dismal,” money to help fund it.
town, saw its Lusins said. Lusins said natural gas
population Wood Eventually, the drilling could also prove
decline from loss of sales tax to be an economic boon
13,954 to 13,292. revenue that accompa- for the town by provid-
Wood said he expects nies the tourism indus- ing and supporting jobs
growth in the town to con- try could impact local and increasing revenue
tinue, especially with the government. for private citizens and
construction of the Plains “We really must government.
at Parish Homestead and proceed with caution,” Ultimately, the town
the potential develop- Lusins said. remains an ideal place
ment of other subdivi- In planning for next for people wishing to
sions. year’s budget, the town move or locate a busi-
“We’re going to keep board is going to have to ness, Lusins said.
on trying to provide extra be extremely strict, she “I still think we have
services and expanding said. a great deal to offer with
existing services,” Wood But at the same time, where we’re located,”
said. it needs to proceed with Lusins said. “We do have
“The town is in very infrastructure projects, a lovely, lovely place to
good shape financially,” such as the sewer and live.”
he added. “We cut taxes
last year by 6 percent.
We’ll just continue to
budget conservatively.”
But although the town
may have kept tight rein
over its finances, the
state budget crisis has
had an impact locally.
The biggest evidence
of this is the state’s
abandonment of plans
for a $16 million highway
reconstruction project on
Southside.
“That got put off in-
definitely,” Wood said.
It’s still too early to
predict how the decline
in sales tax revenue will
affect the town, Wood
said.
Last summer, before
the major turmoil on
Wall Street and the large
increases in unemploy-
ment, the economy was
already reeling last
summer due to gas prices
6 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

Otsego manufacturers seeing success

Smaller firms’ `They’re
flexibility key
able to be
in downturn,
more nimble.
officials say
You have to
By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer have a very
The health, education strong will-
and social services sector
make up about a third of ingness and
the county’s overall work-
force.
But the county’s manu-
ability to be
facturing firms rank third
in terms of employment
flexible in
behind retail.
The county has a great these types
variety of small manufac-
turers, said Otsego County of environ-
Economic Development
Director Carolyn Lewis. ments.’
“I am not nervous,”
Lewis said regarding the — Otsego County
national recession. Economic
Smaller manufacturers
often have an advantage, Development
Lewis said. Director
“They’re able to be
more nimble,” Lewis Carolyn Lewis
said. “You have to have
a very strong willingness
and ability to be flexible Star photos by Julie Lewis
in these types of environ-
ments.”
Above, James Moretti, a process engineer at Custom
The county’s small Electronics, solders a capacitor assembly on May 4
manufacturers make ev- at the plant on Browne Street in Oneonta, at right.
erything from headsets
used by the military and ic capacitors and electri- ing last year at this time,”
aero-space industries to cal components. Schulte said.
Belgian beer. “Our customers are The company, which
“It’s amazing. We are a other businesses,” Bell employs 70 people, is ex-
core, home-grown said. panding its product line
small manufac- Defense in- and its Oneonta-based
turing commu- dustry contrac- subsidiary, Ioxus Inc., is
nity,” Lewis said. tors represents developing new products
Many of the com- 60 to 75 percent designed for applications
panies’ products of the business in the renewable energy
can’t be found on for the company, field.
the shelves of lo- said Michael “They are just about
cal stores. Schulte, Cus- ready to start up produc-
One such com- tom Electronics’ tion there,” Schulte said.
pany is Custom sales manager. Bell said the company tion and the cost of labor links of a larger chain, Products, which often
Electronics Inc. “What the fu- has been on the conserva- in developing counties which has been affected contract for municipal
of Oneonta. Lewis ture holds there, tive side when it comes to is increasing. And this, by the recession. construction projects, will
“We have a dif- we don’t really replacing employees but Lewis said, works to the “People stopped order- likely see a boon from the
ferent customer base,” know,” Schulte said. has avoided any serious advantage of Otsego Coun- ing and they were letting federal stimulus package.
said Lydia Bell, Custom But Schulte said the cuts. ty’s small manufacturers. their inventories dimin- Considering also that the
Electronics’ human re- firm has been busy in “We haven’t laid peo- “We have companies ish,” Lewis said. “We are price of oil is down from
source manager. 2009. ple off,” Bell said. “We that make products that starting to see things pick what it was last summer,
Custom Electronics “From a sales stand- are a little cautious going are needed,” Lewis said. up a bit.” these companies should
manufactures high volt- point, we are actually forward.” Many of the county’s Lewis said Jett Indus- see a healthy 2009, Lewis
age, specialized electron- above what we were do- The cost of transporta- manufacturing firms form tries and Cobleskill Stone said.

Sidney layoffs impacting Delaware County

By Jake Palmateer
Staff Writer
Deposit
Delaware County’s largest
manufacturers have been hit
wood firm
adding jobs
hard by the national recession
with the firms resorting to layoffs
to cut costs.
But other sectors and busi-
nesses in the Delaware County By Jake Palmateer
economy are holding their own Staff Writer
and even expanding.
Unemployment rates in Dela- Integrated Wood Components is
ware County _ as well as sur- bucking the recession.
rounding counties, where many The Deposit company went from
of the workers from the large six people in 2007 to 38 people to-
plants live _ have soared since day, including two people who
late last year. Most jobs lost were were very recently added to the
in manufacturing. staff, said Gerard Kamp, the com-
MeadWestvaco and Amphenol pany’s vice president.
in Sidney announced layoffs in “We have experienced a large
the last quarter of 2008 that were amount of success in the last cou-
larger than usual during seasonal ple years,” Kamp said. “We have
slowdowns. increased our advertising and we
In April, MeadWestvaco, which get out in front of the customers.”
manufactures office products, cut The company provides cut-to-
about 10 percent of its workforce. size wood products, including
The plant has about 1,000 employ- Amphenol, kitchen cabinet components and
ees. Amphenol, which employs above, and materials for store fixtures and
about 1,500 people, has also re- MeadWestvaco, displays. It also sells assembled
duced the size of its workforce at left, in Sidney, products.
its plant, where electrical compo- Because the company is pri-
nents are manufactured.
announced
vately held and small, it is more
But Glenn Nealis, Delaware layoffs in the last nimble, he said.
County economic developer, said quarter of 2008. “I think the secret to the success
it will be a tough summer, but he The Hobart is vertical integration, hard work
thinks the recession may be bot- Covidien plant, and staying in front of the custom-
toming out and with it the for- ers,” Kamp said.
tunes of the large plants could
below, hasn’t
Vertical integration is when sev-
turn. been impacted eral or all of the steps in the manu-
“I think they are basically lev- by the downturn facture and distribution of a prod-
elling off in terms of any layoffs,” as much, officials uct are controlled by one company.
Nealis said. said. Smaller companies often an
Nealis said Covidien in Ho- advantage during tough economic
Star file photos
bart, which employs about 700 times, Kamp said.
people and manufactures phar- “It allows you to be more flex-
maceuticals, is doing well. ible,” he said.
See SIDNEY on Page 8 In talking with their customers,
who come from around the coun-
try, Kamp said
“They are generally optimistic
that the turn-around could come
sooner rather than later, and that’s
my opinion also,” Kamp said.
Integrated Wood Components is
not alone in Delaware County, said
Mary Beth Silano, executive direc-
tor of the Delaware County Cham-
ber of Commerce.
There are several small manu-
factures that have managed to
weather the storm and be success-
ful, Silano said.
Glenn Nealis, Delaware County
economic developer, said some of
the smaller businesses and manu-
factures have had to cut employee
hours and slow their production.
But he said some have been able to
re-think their business model and
expand into new areas.
“They have the ability to shift
gears,” he said.
 May 30, 2009
`Everybody is watching how they’re spending, watching their budget.’
Funding cuts affecting Oneonta colleges
By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
The State University
College at Oneonta lost 5
percent of its operating
budget as the state cut
funding in fiscal 2008-09.
Hartwick College in
Oneonta has seen its
endowment value shrink
as stock markets dropped
in the past year.
The recession for
both colleges has meant
scrutinizing job open-
ings, finding ways to cut
spending and conserve
resources while main-
taining the high quality
of educational programs,
officials said.
Higher education
institutions across the
country this academic
year have applied a com-
bination of layoffs, not
filling vacant positions,
cuts to salaries and ben-
efits, freezing staff levels,
delaying projects and
maintenance and con-
serving resources to meet
budget challenges, ac-
cording to the American
Council on Education.
``Everybody is watch-
ing how they’re spending,
watching their budget,’’
said George Elsbeck, vice
president for finance at
Hartwick College.
In the 2008-09 fiscal
year, SUNY Oneonta ab-
sorbed four cuts in state
aid, totalling more than
$2.4 million or 5 percent
of the operating budget,
said college spokes-
woman Carol Blazina. In
response, the college has
held positions vacant,
implemented savings
measures and conserved
resources, Blazina said,
and officials continue to
analyze administrative
operations to identify
more efficiencies. SUNY
Oneonta awaits state aid
figures for 2009-10. The
college enrolls about
5,878 full-time, part-time
and graduate students
and has 251 full-time and
189 part-time faculty. The
college, which accepts
about 38 percent of fresh-
man applicants, has re-
ceived more than 14,000
undergraduate admis-
sions applications and
has introduced several
more graduate programs.
Blazina said to con-
serve resources and
reduce expenses, SUNY
Oneonta has reduced
heat in campus build-
ings, particularly during
breaks in classes; asked
faculty and staff to limit
travel and exercise cost
restraint during neces-
sary travel; and encour-
aged use of alternate
forms of conducting busi-
ness where possible, such
as by conference calls,
e-mail or other electronic
media.
In January, Hartwick
College cut 14 adminis-
trative and support staff
jobs, citing losses in
endowment earnings and
gifts, among other eco-
nomic stresses. The re-
ductions totaled $361,000
in savings, officials said.
Hartwick, a private
liberal arts college, en-
rolls 1,480 students and
has 181 faculty, including
111 full-time professors,
and the 14 layoffs repre-
sented 3.3 percent of the
college’s 422 employees,
officials said.
The college’s 2009-10
operating budget is un-
der development and will
be set by the board later
Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 7
— George Elsbeck, vice president for finance at Hartwick College
SUNY
Delhi
looks for
savings
Enrollment
up, but cuts
must be made,
officials say
Staff Report
Record enrollment,
program expansion
and cooperation by the
campus community have
buoyed SUNY Delhi dur-
ing the recession, said
Joel Smith, director of
college advancement.
And a touch of en-
trepreneurship has
strengthened the college,
Star file photo by Julie Lewis Smith said recently.
Applications are up
Above: Yager Hall at Hartwick College houses the Yager Museum, the library and Slade Theater. 7.7 percent from a year
Below: The quad at State University College at Oneonta is seen on May 7.
ago, and the college plans
Star photo by Brit Worgan
to have more than 3,000
students, a record, en-
rolled in the fall, Smith
said. SUNY Delhi is
building on its successful
programs and on demand
for bachelor’s degrees
and online instruction,
he said.
``Clearly, the value
resonates, particularly
with parents, in this
economy,’’ Smith said.
SUNY tuition in 2008-
09 as of fall 2009 will
be $4,970 annually. The
State University College
of Technology at Delhi
has 123 faculty members
and a support staff of 228
employees, Smith said.
The SUNY Delhi
campus dealt with $3.2
million in cuts since last
year, Smith said. Main-
taining 24 positions va-
cant resulted in a savings
of more than $1 million,
he said.
Conservation efforts,
such as turning down
thermostats, resulted in
$800,000 in savings, he
said, and scrutinizing
this spring, Hartwick asked to reduce spend- has flushless urinals. ing endowment spending, expenses and overtime
officials said. No layoffs ing by 1.25 percent, as Annual giving to and the college continues generated $100,000 in
were made in faculty the college looked to cut the college is about $2 implementing cost-saving savings.
ranks, officials said, and spending by $1.32 million million, and gifts to the measures. The recession In 2009-10, the college
the college doesn’t have a in 2008-09. college are expected to has meant not planning plans to draw $500,000
hiring freeze. Elsbeck said the cam- drop between 10 percent any major projects, he from campus reserves
Elsbeck said vice pus community has been and 15 percent in 2008-09. said. to help deliver pro-
presidents are review- reminded about practic- On June 30, the college ``I’ve been through grams, Smith said. SUNY
ing all positions that ing conservation by turn- endowment was $63.6 recessions,’’ Elsbeck Delhi cuts its budget 10
may become vacant and ing out lights and unplug- million, and Feb. 28, it said. However, the cur- percent, has delayed
deciding whether open- ging chargers when not was about $42 million, rent economic turmoil is purchases and called
ings need to be filled on affiliated organiza-
in use. The college has officials said. global and diverse.
immediately. Earlier tions, such as the Alumni
installed lights activated Elsbeck said Hartwick ``I have not seen any-
in the year, the college Foundation, to help meet
by motion detectors in continues a conservative thing this deep,’’ he said.
suspended some searches challenges, Smith said.
for full-time tenure-track some rooms, and the new- approach to money mat- ``To me this is unprec-
faculty, he said, and est building on campus ters, especially by reduc- edented.’’ See DELHI on Page 8
temporarily reduced the
number of full-time per-
manent teaching faculty
for 2009-10, pending the
completion of a program
review.
For students in the
class of 2013, costs total
$42,405, which includes
$32,550 in tuition, $4,700
in room, $4,375 in board
and $780 in fees, Hart-
wick officials said.
About 70 percent of
the college’s revenues
are from tuition and fees,
Elsbeck said.
Hartwick will start
offering a three-year
bachelor’s degree pro-
gram in the fall, Elsbeck
said. The option would
provide families a 25
percent savings yet offer
students a complete Hart-
wick education, he said.
In October, Hartwick’s
budget managers were
8 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

The State
University
College of
Technology
at Delhi, as
seen from
across the
valley at
Delaware
Academy,
in May
2008.
Star file photo by
Julie Lewis

Delhi
Continued from Page 7
``Every purchase request has been
scrutinized at the highest levels to
keep the budget in balance,’’ Smith
said.
Smith said SUNY Delhi’s general
operating budget support from the
state is $8 million.
After adding tuition revenues, the
college’s general operating budget is
$20 million, he said, which shows how
much the college relies on tuition.
``We are now far closer to a model of
how private colleges operate,’’ Smith
said.
SUNY Delhi was the first in the
State University system to expand
delivery of its four-year programs on to
the campuses of community colleges,
Smith said. SUNY Delhi will offer
courses at Tompkins Cortland Commu-
nity College and Onondaga Community
College, leading to bachelor’s degrees
in hospitality management and busi-
ness and technology management.
Smith said a positive development
from the recession has been support
shown by the campus community.
``The campus community has really
come together,’’ Smith said.
``Faculty and staff have sacrificed
and supported our efforts to conserve
energy and save money,’’ he said.
``And it’s their joint efforts that have
helped us close the budget gap and
ensure that we can continue to deliver
quality programs and services to our
students.’’

Otsego Sidney
Continued from Page 2 Manor,’’ Murphy said. Continued from Page 6 Restaurants have been see- from as far away as Schenectady
Other non-mandated ser- Although the county is “They haven’t been impacted ing good business throughout the and Binghamton.
vices, such as home health set to receive enough state (by the recession) to the same ex- county, she said. “I think it’s just the general
care, probably save money and federal aid this year to tent,” Nealis said. “They’ve been packed,” Silano economy,” Silano said. “Our Main
by helping elderly people make 2009 a relatively good There has been a trickle-down said. Street depends on the residents.”
live at home, and one, financially, at effect from the layoffs at the big This only stands to improve But many families are opting
avoid the steep ex- the nursing home, plants on the local economy. over the next few months, she for Southside Oneonta where they
pense of nursing long-range capi- “We really are now said. can find what they are looking for
home care, Schw- tal and operat- seeing the impact,” he “We are going into our at Wal-Mart at a lower cost and fill
erd said. ing costs remain said. busy tourism season,” Si- up their gas tank for less than in
Rep. Rich- daunting, he said. The impact of the re- lano said. Delaware County, Silano said.
ard Murphy, D- ``I think the cession on Delaware But Main Street retail
county board Silano said she would like to
Oneonta, also a County’s smaller busi- in the county’s villages
should look at our see more people shopping local-
member of the Ad- nesses appears to be and hamlets has contin-
biggest outlays ly.
ministration Com- mixed, said Mary Beth Si- ued to suffer in some
and we don’t want One other area of improvement
mittee, said he lano, executive director cases.
to lose sight of that could be in the hospitality indus-
supports measures of the Delaware County “Retailers right now
when we’re re- try, Silano said.
such as increased Murphy Chamber of Commerce. are hurting pretty bad,”
“We need hotels. We need more
scrutiny of purchas- viewing purchas- “Some of the business- Silano said. “People are
es in the absence of es,’’ Murphy said. watching what they are accommodations,” Silano said.
Murphy noted that Ot-
es are very positive. Oth- Silano Business owners are also un-
the more sweeping changes ers are doom and gloom,” spending their money
he would prefer. sego County has lower Silano said. “I know that there are on.” happy with state government be-
``I think our commit- property taxes than many some smaller manufacturers that The layoffs at the large manu- cause of taxes and fee increases
tee has to look at the little counties in the region _ are struggling quite a bit.” facturers don’t seem to be to that raise the overall cost of doing
things, especially because an enviable position that But some are expanding, she blame, she said. business, she said.
we don’t have a county county legislators should said. “Those people probably don’t “Most of them are very frustrat-
manager to do it, but I’d strive to maintain as the “The tourism industry seems to even live in Delaware County,” Si- ed with what’s going on,” Silano
rather focus on the big- area comes through reces- be pretty stable. People are com- lano said, noting that some people said, “whether they are Republi-
ticket items such as Otsego sion, he said. ing here,” Silano said. who work in the county commute can or Democrat.”
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 9

Recession hits farmers especially hard

By Mark Boshnack
Staff Writer

The farming industry locally has been hurting, for

the most part, for years. Here, some Otsego and Dela-
ware county farmers and those related to the indus-
try talk about how the current economic situation
has affected their businesses.

Bob Tracy, dairy farmer

East Springfield dairy farmer Bob Tracy said in his 39 years in
the business, the current economy is “the worst I have seen.”
It’s not the recession but the price cycle that is hurting, he
said. The period between the highs and lows seems to be getting
shorter, he said.
More has to be done to manage the supply of milk. “It’s not
good for anyone,” he said.
It only takes a shift of 1-to-2-percent to change things, he said.
“It wouldn’t take that much to control it.”
Usually when prices start to improve, people lose interest in
doing anything about it, he said. “But there is more talk about
doing something than I have heard” in previous downturns, he
said.
He has heard that prices might improve by the last quarter of
the year, he said.
But that could be too late for a lot of producers.
People are already having trouble borrowing to put crops in.
With declining milk prices and declining value for cows “farmers Star photo by Julie Lewis
are losing equity,” he said. Carolyn and David Post take a break May 6 with their grandsons Daniel, 1, left, and Lance
“If I was doing it for dollars and cents,” he said, “I would have
shut the door a long time ago.”
McClure, 2, as they talk with friend Jim Wood, center, who’s helping them with the construction
of a new hay wagon at the family’s Pineyvale Farm on Town Brook Road in Hobart. To save on
expenses the wood used in the construction wagon is from trees cut and milled on the farm.

Carolyn Post, dairy farmer will build our own,” she said.
“That’s how we are doing it,” she said. “We’ve
“We’re struggling like everyone else is,” said had ups and downs (in the past),” but this time
Hobart dairy farmer Carolyn Post. “We’re trying is different because the whole country is going
to hang in there.” through this, she said.
Bob Tracy To do this, “we’re cutting down on a lot of This is the worst she has seen it in the last 43
removes a things.” That includes cutting back on veteri- years. “I’m sure it will turn around but I’m not
motor for narian visits, and planting cheaper corn seed. sure it will be enough. We’ll have to see,” she
repair It also means cutting back on acreage planted, said.
from the from 100 to 80. Planting crops with a no-till tech- “We’re working as hard as we can, trying to
hay lift in nique saves gas, she said. “We have also cut back keep our spirits up” she said. For instance, she
the barn at on equipment purchases,” she said. noted, “There is always something to be thankful
For instance, the farm was going to buy a new for,” whether that includes having food on the
his Golden hay wagon, but with prices almost doubled, “ we table or a roof over your head.
Brook
Farm on Springers Inc. ic downturns in prices, he has equipment companies have
Briar Hill diversified the product lines been
The price that farmers re- sold over the years, he said.
offering low-interest
Road in rates and/or deferred payment
ceive for their milk is not af- About 10 years ago, sales terms, he said. Companies such
East fected by the recession, said
were 50 percent agricultural, as equipment manufacturer
Spring- Jay Schuurman, president of
while today it is about one- New Holland understand the
field on Springers Inc., an industrial
May 6. and agricultural equipment third, with construction and problems that farmers are hav-
dealer with stores in Oneonta, other industrial equipment ing, he said,
Richfield Springs and St. John- rounding out the product mix. “(Farmers) don’t have con-
sville. While dairy farming is his “first trol over the price” that they re-
It has nothing to do with sup- love,” the changes reflect the ceive for the milk they produce,
ply and demand but reflects declining number of farms in he said. That price before de-
commodity prices on the Chi- the county. That is one trend ductions was about $12 for 100
cago Mercantile Exchange, he that is not expected to change, pounds of milk in March. They
said. he said. were getting about $6 more a
In order to deal with period- But to help farmers, many year ago.
Star photo by Julie Lewis More farmers’ stories can be found on Page 10
10 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
Farmers stories continued from Page 9
The Van
Alstine
family’s
Van
Acres
Farm on
County
Route 31
in East
Spring-
field is
seen on
May 6.
Star photo by
Julie Lewis
Barbara Hanselman,
dairy farmer
Bloomville dairy farmer Barbara Hansel-
man said the impact of the recession is se-
vere because, “what we are getting paid is
less than it costs to produce.”
She estimates that it costs at least $15 a
hundredweight, with a variety of factors,
such as amount of debt, causing for varia-
tions at other farms. Farmers are getting an
average of about $12 a hundredweight be-
fore deductions are made.
As a result, Hanselman said, farmers “are
having to go without,” but they are trying
to cut in places they normally wouldn’t to
make it through this time. This includes cut-
ting back on the amount of bedding for the
animals. Her farm is able to cut back on the
cost of feed by “getting better” at how ani-
mals are fed _ using less expensive feeds.
She has also been able to cut back on the
cost of tillage by changing the way crops
are planted. Fertilizer use has also been re-
duced, she said.
Although crop production may be less, if
you don’t have the money to pay for it, “you
have to make hard decisions,” she said.
She has sold cows that aren’t producing
enough. This will not only lower the cost
of production, but puts some money in her
pocket.
Despite all these steps, she has had to
borrow money to pay her bills. “You are put-
ting on more debt to get through this,” she
said.
The cutbacks are affecting the local Barb Hanselman feeds week-old brown Swiss calf
economy, she said. Changes over the years
has led to a reduction in the farming infra-
Illy on May 13 in the barn at her family’s Del-Rose
Farm on county Route 18 in South Kortright. In the
structure. “You see a lot more UPS” trucks
making deliveries on the farm, she said. background is family dog Sadie.
“What is NBDC’s commitment to rebuild our
local economy?”
The NBDC Stimulus Packages offers:
a.) Great Deals on biweekly mortgage loans
b.) Low Rates on car loans with direct debit
from an NBDC deposit account
c.) Home Improvement loan packages made
even lower by NYSERDA allowances for
energy-efficicient improvements
d.) Personal Help with any challenges that the
great 2009 Downturn has caused and
e.) All of the Benefits that banking with an
independent community bank brings
with it.
NBDC has offices in Walton, Andes, Franklin, Hamden, Stamford
and Roxbury, and has a long tradition of conservative, forward-
looking banking that focuses on its communities.
Opportunity May 30, 2009
Tom Van Alstine, dairy farmer
As treasurer of the Van Hornesville feed coopera-
tive, East Springfield dairy farmer Tom Van Alstine
said even the good farmers are struggling in the cur-
rent recession.
His family has been on the farm since 1903. He has
been running it since 1984 _ the fourth generation.
He has three children and right now he has had a
hard time encouraging them to go into farming because
“you can’t make money,” he said.
All three are smart kids that can make more money
off the farm, he said.
This was the first time that his wife has had to take a
job off the farm to help make ends meet, he said.
The farm milks about 70 cows, mostly Holsteins.
This is the first time he has had to borrow money to
make ends meet, he said. Since Dec. 1, he has been los-
ing $167 per day, he said.
People complain about what is going on, but no one
is trying to find a solution, he said.
“We have to change the way milk is priced,” he said.
It’s been the same way since the 1930s.
The current national dairy support program is help-
ful, but that only gives a percentage of what is needed.
There is no doubt that people will be leaving at the
current price level, he said.
That contraction might eventually help but, “Its dis-
couraging,” he said.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County Educator
Mariane Kiraly said the global economy had been a big help in
keeping dairy prices high last year. But that all started to change
in November and December with the slowdown.
Cooperative Extension is promoting a number of initiatives to
help farmers get through the recession.
“We are working one-on-one with people who need advice,”
she said.
There are about 155 active
dairy farms in Delaware County; `I’m finding that
about half of them are getting
some kind of advice, she said. farmers
This includes about 30 need-
ing farm summaries, which pro- have
vide a business plan needed to
get a handle on the cost of pro-
duction, she said. “We are mak-
stopped
ing a game plan to help get them
through this,” she said. spend-
This includes getting banks
involved. ing.’
“I’m finding that farmers have
stopped spending,” she said, — Mariane Kiraly
which hurts the entire economy.
Even if farmers need equipment, many are looking to rent or
borrow, she said.
Another way farmers are being helped is through the promo-
tion of no-till forage production. That is a one-equipment-pass
system that helps to lower expenses by reducing fuel and labor
costs.
Another program involving about 40 farmers is precision feed-
ing. This includes a complete analysis of what cows are eating to
make sure there is not too much purchased grain _ the largest
expense on a dairy farm.
Star photo by Julie Lewis
Beef prices are high and farmers can still get a good price for
culled cows. As a price of about 50 cents a pound and the average
weight of such animals at about 1,400 pounds, “that can pay some
bills,” she said.
She doesn’t expect prices to recover until August, she said.
More farmers’ stories can be found on Page 11
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 11
Farmers stories continued from Page 10

Siobhan Griffin,
organic dairy farmer
Organic farmers haven’t seen as big a decrease in
milk prices as conventional farms, said Siobhan Grif-
fin, whose organic Milford farm milks about 80. But
prices have decreased about a dollar a hundredweight
with a base price of about $27 a hundredweight and
another cut expected this spring.
It could cut household income in half, she said. The
milk is more expensive to produce than conventional
because of such factors as feed prices, she said.
This is the first time organic milk has gone down
since she started in business about 20 years.
This comes from slower sales because of the reces-
sion but also because of competing factory farms out
west.
One thing helping sales is with more families eating
at home during the economic downturn, they tend to
drink more milk, she said.
She is also trying to sell more products at farmers’
markets “so I can get a retail price,” she said. This in-
cludes cheese and meats.
She thinks this trend will “change the industry,”
she said. Farmers’ markets are becoming stronger as
more people try to keep their money local and get bet-
ter value for their food dollar, she said.
She is also cutting a planned equipment purchase,
she said.

Siobhan Griffin plows `green manure’ at her

Raindance Farm on county Route 35 in Milford on
May 6. The green manure consists of field peas and
triticale planted in the fall.
Star photo by Julie Lewis

Don’s Dairy Supply

Don’s Dairy Supply in South Kortright has been
in operation for more than 25 years.
“Anything that goes into a barn we install and
supply” to 41 counties, said co-owner Don Coager.
“I don’t want to cut back on staff,” he said of
about the 17 people he employs. “It’s hard to find
people.”
So when there is no work
he has personnel doing main-
tenance, such as painting. The
`I’ve
average service call is about
2½ hours away, he said. never
“I’ve never seen it this bad,”
he said. seen it this
For the past two or three
months there hasn’t been any bad.’
business, but that has started
to turn around recently. — Don’s
Farmers aren’t calling un- Dairy Supply
less there is an emergency. Ev-
erybody had to borrow money co-owner
to keep going, and his business Don Coager
is no different, he said.
In December the average ac-
count was 30-to-60 days past due. That has increased
to 90 days, he said.
“You have to be patient,” Coager said.
He said he knows farmers are having a hard time,
Star photo by Julie Lewis
so he encourages them to make monthly payments
so they don’t fall too far behind.
Debbie Coager unpacks a shipment of parts at Don’s Dairy Supply on Roses Brook Road in South Kortright “We will work with them,” he said.
on May 13. More farmers’ stories can be found on Page 12
12 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

Farmers stories continued from Page 11 connecting the classroom

Clifford Brunner,
organic dairy farmer
Cooperstown dairy farmer Clif-
ford Brunner said he was fortunate
that he switched his conventional
dairy farm to organic about three
years ago. This has kept the cut in
prices he received to about a dol-
lar a hundredweight, he said, as
sales have dropped in the tighten-
ing economy.
Although the base price is about
$27 a hundredweight, no new pro-
ducers are being taken on by the Or-
ganic Valley cooperative, he said. If
sales don’t pick up, the moratorium
could continue into next year.
The price cut has had an impact
on the 40-cow operation. He is deal-
ing with it by prioritizing where he
spends his money, he said.
The changes impact the whole to the world
economy, he said.
“I won’t buy anything new,” he HARTWICK COLLEGE
said, fixing what he has until the breaks down the barriers
that separate the
economy gets better.
classroom from the
There is a concern that this will
world, allowing our
impact the infrastructure of the in- 1,480 students to
dustry, he said. learn “out there”
“We already have fewer equip- and bring that
ment dealers,” he said. experience back,
making their
time in class fun
and the learning real.
With a wide range of off-campus
internships, collaborative research,
study-abroad opportunities, and
our unique January Term, you are virtually
guaranteed to be connected and ready for
the opportunities that lie ahead.

Connect with us
www.hartwick.edu/connect
888.HARTWICK
One Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY

Star photo by Julie Lewis

A cow licks the face of Jeanne Licata of the Licata Dairy Farm as she sweeps the barn May 4 at her farm
on Petkewec Road in Hartwick.

Jeanne Licata, dairy farmer
“This is the worst period we have ever been
through,” said Jeanne Licata, who has run a 100-cow
farm in Hartwick with her husband for almost 30
years.
With milk cost about $15 a hundredweight to pro-
duce and payments of about $12 before deductions,
“the current system doesn’t make sense,” but she is
not sure what the answer is.
“Farmers have been tightening so much there are
not a lot of places left,” she said. The national dairy
support payments are not enough to really matter, she
said.
“We don’t want to sell,” she said about her family
farm. “We want to farm as a long as we can.”
But, “I don’t think people realize how grim it is,”
she said. They have become too far removed from
where their food comes, she said.
“We have to borrow to stay in business,” she said.
She added she hopes the situation turns around in the
next few months.
Like in any business the key word is cash flow, she
said, and right now things are tight.

INTRODUCING
Danny Buel,
dairy farmer
With the recession go-
ing on, the current situ-
ation for Franklin dairy

THE NEW DOCTORS OF

farmer Danny Buel is not
great, but “a lot of people
have it worse,” he said.
Milk prices are lower

RUMINOLOGY
than he has seen them for
a while, he said.
“We are survivors” and
he is doing what he needs
to in order to make it
through the downturn.
To do this, he has put
off equipment purchases,
he said. He also saved
money when prices were
higher in order to make it
through the “low times,”
he said.
Prices for fertilizer
and fuel, two of the big-
gest expenses at this time
of year, are down, so that
has been a help, he said.
“I always try to look on
the bright side,” he said.
“It could be worse.”
One of the advantages
of being a small farm,
milking about 50 Hol-
steins, he said, is that “we
don’t have to hire help, so
it’s easier when the times
are tight.”
“Hopefully this is the
bottom and things will
start looking better,” he
said.
There will be probably
be more interest this year
in a program run by farm-
ers to buy cows in an effort
to reduce the milk supply.
He likes that it is run by
farmers and doesn’t in-
volve the government. Clay Zimmerman, Ph.D. Jim Mosley, M.S., P.A.S. Gordon Smith, M.S. Ryan Ordway, Ph.D.
There is not much else
that can be done to reduce
the supply, he said.
The problem is made
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May 30, 2009
Car dealers see good, bad in recession
By Tom Grace and Patricia Breakey
Staff Writers
The automotive industry has been
hit especially hard by the down econ-
omy. Here, some local car dealers tell
the impact of the recession.
Royal Chrysler in Oneonta
Steve Harris, president of Royal Chrysler in
Oneonta, said that while the Chrysler has had
well-publicized financial troubles, the vehi-
cles the company makes are better than ever.
``It’s true, the cars and trucks these days
are as good as any in the world, and it’s a good
time for buyers,’’ Harris said. “Because the in-
dustry is trying to attract customers, the deals
are better than ever.
``And if you buy General Motors or Chrysler
vehicles, you’re getting a warranty backed by
the federal government,’’ he noted.
Harris said the used car business is very
strong, as some people have opted for them
rather than new cars. However, the rules of
supply and demand dictate that eventually,
the stronger used car market and higher used
car prices, will spur new car sales, he said.
``As the trade-in value rises, this helps fi-
nance more of the new car price,’’ Harris
said.
Over the long term, as Chrysler plans to link
up with the Italian automaker Fiat, Chrysler
and its dealers will have access to Fiat’s effi-
cient models.
In the current economic climate, with gas at
about $2.25 a gallon, efficiency is not driving
sales to the same extent as a half year ago. But
in the future, gas may rise again, giving Chrys-
ler an advantage because it will be ready to
sell a new line of efficient cars and trucks, he
said.
— Tom Grace
Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 13
Brookside Hardware
in Margaretville
The downturn in the econo-
my is a boon for the used car
business, according to William
Finch, owner of Brookside
Hardware Ltd. in Margaret-
ville.
The business, which sells
cars, feed, hardware and vari-
ous types of equipment, is
on state Route 28, across the
street from Margaretville Me-
morial Hospital.
Finch said used cars are
a valuable commodity when
people are watching what they
spend.
“You get more bang for your
buck,” Finch said. “Business is
right on track and we are crank-
ing them out. You save a lot on
a good quality used car.”
Star photo by Julie Lewis
Finch said new cars de-
Bob Carhart, sales manager of Oneonta Ford, sits in a Ford Mustang on the preciate as soon as they are
sales lot on Southside in Oneonta on May 7. driven off the car lot, which
means used cars have already
Oneonta Ford are in greater demand.
``The market is very strong in used
taken that first big hit in losing
value, so the prices are much
At Oneonta Ford, a combination of cars. We probably sell three times as more reasonable.
incentives and good products is drawing many used cars as new,’’ he said. Finch said the only effects
a steady stream of customers, according And new car sales are starting to he has seen from the recession
to Sales Manager Bob Carhart. benefit from higher used car values, are the credit challenges peo-
``There are incentives for buying hy- because the used cars are worth more ple are facing.
brids, and Ford’s Fusion, which gets 41 when traded in, he said. “Some people are having
miles per gallon, is a great option,’’ he Customers are more comfortable a little more trouble getting a
said. with Ford than its domestic competitors loan,” Finch conceded.
Offers of large rebates or 0 percent because it hasn’t accepted government The types of vehicles people
financing also have helped attract new- bailout money and is able to stand on its are looking for don’t seem to
car customers worried about their per- own, he said. be driven by money concerns,
sonal finances, he said. ``Ford’s stock is rising,” he said, “and he said.
Carhart said tax deductions for buy- people know Ford is going to come out “A year ago is was all about
ing new cars do spur the new-car busi- of this stronger than ever.’’ gas mileage, but now there are
ness, although it’s used cars now that — Tom Grace no concerns about gas price,”
he said. “The truck and SUV
business has been strong.”
Flagpole Nissan in Oneonta With American car com-
Flagpole Nissan in Oneonta is doing well this panies facing huge financial
year because it offers value _ something customers stresses of their own and some
seek, recession or not, said General Sales Manager brands being eliminated,
Jim Hickin. Finch said people don’t seem
``We sell a great vehicle and we have fantastic in- to be worried about future re-
terest rates and rebates,’’ he said. pairs.
The sales incentives help, but what really keeps “I have yet to hear any con-
the cars moving is Nissan’s reputation for making cerns about avoiding certain
quality vehicles, he said. brands,” Finch added.
Hickin said that with General Motors and Chrys- Finch said he has been in
ler having well-publicized financial troubles, some the used-car business 27 years
of their potential customers have come his way. and he expected to see a slow-
``Basically, it’s not a bad time to be a Nissan deal- down, but he has not seen it
er,’’ he said. ``People know these are good vehicles yet.
and the company that makes them is sound. “Business is good, and I
``They can buy with confidence because they think it will stay that way,”
know Nissan is here to stay.’’ Finch said. “People are spend-
— Tom Grace ing more conservatively and
they are looking for value.”
Jim Hickin, general sales manager of Flagpole — Patricia Breakey
Nissan, stands with cars on the sales lot on state More auto dealers’ stories can
Route 23 in Southside Oneonta on May 11. be found on Page 14
Star photo by Julie Lewis
14 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

Auto dealers stories continued from Page 13

County Club Kia and Breakey Motors

Country Club in Walton
Mitsubishi in Oneonta The new-car business is feeling the
pressure of the recession, but used
Country Club Kia and Country cars are still moving at Breakey Mo-
Club Mitsubishi in Oneonta are tors in Walton.
having a strong spring, according “It’s been very slow, very quiet,”
to co-owner Scott Davis. Keath Davis, owner of Breakey Mo-
``We’re having a sale through tors in Walton, said. “There is more
May 23 called, `Why buy used?’ interest in used cars although there is
and it’s been popular,’’ said Davis some interest in new. It all boils down
earlier this month. to dollars and cents.”
A combination of high prices Davis said business is down 30 to
for used cars and manufacturers’ 40 percent.
incentives for buying new models “Thank God for used and program
makes this a good time to buy a cars,” he said. “That’s what has been
new car, Davis said. selling and keeping us going.”
``We have tremendous rebates Davis said buyers are asking “what
now. For instance, on a brand-new kind of payment and what can I af-
2009 Kia Spectra, there are re- ford?”
bates of up to $3,000,’’ he said. ``We Davis said it has been a buyer’s
can get that payment down as low market in the new-car business.
as $165 a month for 66 months.’’ “Ford is offering 0 percent financ-
Kia, a firm which is increasing ing for qualified buyers and all car
its American market share, is of- companies are trying to boost sales
fering other deals, as well, includ- with deals,” he said. “People have
ing 0 percent financing, he noted. Star photo by Julie Lewis
had to make adjustments. Credit
The incentives have led to new- cards are just killing us.”
car prices that raise eyebrows, Scott Davis, CEO of the Country Club Automotive Group, stands on the Country Club Credit at banks is very tight, Davis
Davis said. Mitsubishi/Kia lot on Oneida Street in Oneonta on May 11. In the background are added.
``A new Sportage has an MSRP vehicles at Country Club Motors across the street. “Credit scores are really impor-
(manufacturer’s suggested retail tant. Banks are looking for bigger
price) of $18,465. With discount re- ers are offering similar programs in an for $14,615, he said.
down payments and they have short-
bates, you can take $3,500 off that, so you effort to keep customers coming in, and ``With programs like that,” he said,
ened up the length of the loans,” he
can get a brand new Sportage, starting the programs are working, he said. “we’ve been doing well with both our
said.
at $14,965.’’ For example, a Mitsubishi Lancer import and domestic lines.’’
— Tom Grace Davis said when the price of gas
Mitsubishi and domestic manufactur- that’s listed at $17,116 can be purchased went down, it helped with consumer
confidence, but now the concerns
have resurfaced because of the econ-
Skinner-Damulis omy.
“The person that needs a truck or
Inc. in Richfield bigger vehicle is going to buy one,” he
said.
Springs Davis, who sells Fords, said Ameri-
Skinner-Damulis Inc. of can-made car sales have been hurt in
Richfield Springs has been the last five to 10 years by the nation-
in business for decades, fol- al news media.
lowing a philosophy of tak- “The American auto industry has
ing care of the customer, a been crucified by the media, which
formula that still works, said has literally promoted imports,” Da-
Dan LaBarge, general sales vis said, adding that the quality has
manager. improved in American cars tremen-
``This business was started dously.
by Hiram Skinner in the 1940s “A few years ago Ford was adver-
and he’s still the president, tising ‘Have you driven a Ford lately?’
comes to work every day,’’ he Davis said. “If you do drive a Ford,
said. Part of Skinner’s credo you will realize that quality wise,
is to treat customers well, no Ford has improved so much.”
matter what. Maintenance and repairs are a
``We rely on repeat cus- vital part of a dealerships income
tomers and they keep com- stream and that has also been hit
ing back because they get the hard by money concerns.
products and the service they Star photo by Mark Boshnack “People are only fixing cars enough
want,’’ he said. to keep them going,” he said. “They
Dan LaBarge, general sales manager of Skinner-Damulis, stands with some of the cars on don’t know what the future is going to
In recent months, the firm
has been helped with an in- the sales lot at the dealership on U.S. Route 20 in Richfield Springs on May 4. be and they don’t want to spend a lot
centive from Chrysler that and then have to trade or lose their
program instituted by Ford, more important is selling ``Our customers keep com-
allowed all customers to re- vehicle.”
ceive the same pricing as he said. well-made vehicles at a good ing back,” he said, “I’m happy — Patricia Breakey
Chrysler employees, as well The incentives from the price in a nonpressured at- to say.’’ More auto dealers’ stories can be
as a 0 percent interest-rate manufacturers help, but mosphere. — Tom Grace found on Page 15
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 15
Auto dealers stories continued from Page 14

Gary Enck’s Car Store

in Hartwick Seminary
Local car dealers say customers
typically look for value, and that’s what
they’ll find on car lots now, according
to Gary Enck.
``I’ve been in this business for 40
years and I’ve never seen a time like
this before,’’ said Enck, whose Car
Store is just south of Cooperstown.
``The product is better than ever
and, with General Motors, the warran-
ties are backed by the government,’’ he
said. ``So if you’re looking for peace of
mind and a great value, now’s the time
to buy.’’ Even in a recession, people
need cars, and central New York has
been spared the worst of the downturn,
he noted.
``We are a little isolated here,’’ said
Enck, who sells Chevrolets and other
GM brands. ``The downturn has hurt
some people, of course. It’s hit pen-
sions and that may mean someone has
to work a few more years.’’
Still, workers usually have to drive,
and new cars are more efficient and
problem-free than their predecessors.
And with used cars bringing a pre-
mium now, a steady stream of buyers
has continued through the doors, he
said.
Star photo by Julie Lewis
``I’d say we’re seeing fewer lookers,”
Gary Enck, president of Gary Enck’s Car Store Inc., stands next to a 2009 Corvette on the sales lot at the dealership on he said, “but just as many buyers.’’
state Route 28 in Hartwick Seminary on May 1. — Tom Grace

Five Star Subaru Smith Cooperstown Inc.

in Oneonta Smith Cooperstown Inc.’s gen-
eral manager, Mike Welch, said the
What recession? Ford dealer is conducting business
Five Star Subaru in Oneonta as usual in 2009, placing customers
had its best sales month ever in first.
March this year, ``and we might ``We take care of people and they
break that record in April,’’ Ben keep coming back,’’ he said.
Guenther, an owner, said late in Even in a recession, this formula
the month. pays dividends, ``We haven’t let any-
``Basically, I don’t think this one go and we’re going to be fine. I
area is in recession like the rest think that dealers that get through
of the country,’’ he said. ``We don’t this period will be in good shape,
have the wild swings other places able to make money,’’ he said.
have.’’ “`Ford has a lot of excellent
At Five Star Subaru, business products and people want them, but
has been good because the vehi- the media has scared them, to an
cles he sells are a good value, and extent,” he said. “People know what
potential customers realize this, they want, and they have the money
Guenther said. to buy it, but some of them are hold-
``We have educated customers ing back for a year or so because of
and they know what they want,’’ he what they hear on the news.”
said. However, the new cars are better
Despite gloomy news from the than ever, and demand, pent up now,
government and the media, many will fuel car sales after most people
people are still fully employed believe the economy is heating up,
or able to afford what they need, perhaps later this year, he said.
which includes efficient reliable In the meantime, others are tak-
vehicles, Guenther said. ing advantage of incentives and very
``I’m optimistic because people Star photo by Julie Lewis
competitive pricing to buy now, he
are looking for value,” he said,
“and we offer that.’’ Ben Guenther, co-owner of Five Star Subaru, stands next to a new car outside the said.
dealership on Chestnut Street in Oneonta on April 30. — Tom Grace
— Tom Grace

W.S. Hinkley & Sons Inc. “When you aren’t selling new cars,
you aren’t taking used cars in on trade,
in Grand Gorge so good used cars are getting harder to
Sales are down at the W.S. Hinkley come by and the prices are going up,” he
& Sons Inc. Ford dealership in Grand said.
Gorge, but Ed Hinkley has faith that Hinkley said he is also seeing differ-
things will turn around if everyone can ent forms of financing.
hold on. “People are coming in with money
“I’ve been here for 37 years and it’s from home equity loans and some are
actually worse than I have ever seen it,” getting out of the stock market and us-
Hinkley said. “It was worse in the De- ing that money to buy cars rather than Cooperstown, New York
pression, but back then people weren’t taking a loan,” he said.
used to having a lot so it’s a lot harder Young buyers are having a really
on people now.”
Hinkley said dealers have been hit
rough time getting their first cars, Hin-
kley added. 35th Anniversary Season July 18 – August 25, 2009
hard because cars last longer than they “It’s real tough for young buyers to
used to and the only people buying right qualify for a loan unless they have a par-
now are the ones whose cars break down
and are too expensive to fix.
ent or someone to co-sign,” he said.
Hinkley said he feels that American
Verdi La Traviata
“Nobody is buying a new car just be- car companies lived off their names for Director Jonathan Miller revisits Verdi’s
cause they want to,” he said. “It’s really too long and didn’t keep up with trends
and improvements when foreign cars
masterpiece with a new production featuring the
not a good situation but somehow, we
have got to get through it.” began to take over the market, but he stunning Mary Dunleavy in the role of Violetta.
Hinkley said he had a unique experi- said the quality has improved dramati-
ence when a man who was approved for cally in recent years. JULY Sat 18, Mon 20m, Sun 26m, Tue 28m
a loan to buy a new car decided to buy “Ford has excellent cars available AUGUST Sat 1, Mon 3m, Thu 6, Sat 8m, Tue 11m, Fri 14, Sun
two used cars for the same price. right now,” he said. “The Focus, the 16m, Thu 20, Sat 22, Tue 25m
“People are thinking and being care- Fusion and the Escapes are all great
ful,” Hinkley said. “Now this man has a cars.”
car to fall back on if something happens
to one of them, or he has a winter car
Hinkley said Ford also has quite a
few hybrids available, but added that
Rossini La Cenerentola
and a summer car, or the family has two they are a tough sell in the mountainous A cast of virtuoso Rossinians promise to dazzle
cars.” terrain of Delaware County.
Hinkley said people are definitely “Hybrids are really made for city in Rossini’s retelling of the Cinderella story — a
looking at used cars more than they used driving,” he added. “They just don’t save comedy with heart.
to, which is making used cars a higher any money in this kind of territory.”
price commodity. — Patricia Breakey JULY Sun 19m, Fri 24, Mon 27m, Fri 31
AUGUST Tue 4m, Sat 8, Mon 10m, Thu 13, Sat 15m, Mon
17m, Fri 21, Sun 23m

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16 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

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May 30, 2009
Bassett, Fox seeing fewer patients
Economy causing many to delay
seeking health care, officials say
By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
A national trend of patients
deferring health care is reflect-
ed in hospitals and medical
offices in Otsego County, local
administrators said.
The recession has meant pa-
tients think twice about elec-
tive care or making trips to an
emergency room, administra-
tors at A.O. Fox Memorial Hos-
pital in Oneonta and at Bassett
Healthcare based in Cooper-
stown said. Delaying treatment
has a negative impact on rev-
enues for hospitals and health
care networks, which rely on in-
come and reimbursements for
providing services, they said.
``Our revenue is all driven
off some sort of patient encoun-
ter,’’ said Mark Wright, vice
president for finance at Fox
Hospital. ``This is unlike any-
thing we’ve seen in the last 25
years.’’
Fox Hospital and Bassett
Healthcare wrestled with the
shift in patient care starting
Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 17
last year, administrators said.
The recession started in De-
cember 2007, and administra-
tors said the effects of the tu-
multuous economy also show
up in government funding and
reimbursement rates.
``We’re OK
at the mo-
ment,’’ said
Dr. William
Streck, chief
executive of-
ficer at Bas-
sett Health-
care. ``But
there are no
guarantees in
Streck this environ-
ment.’’
Streck said the single-most
important opportunity is talks
with Fox Hospital.
The two institutions an-
nounced in March that talks Star file photo by Julie Lewis
started last year about sharing The A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital on Main Street in Oneonta is seen in April 2008.
services had intensified. Rep-
resentatives continue consider They have begun sharing ogy, administrators said. Other insurance issues, a national
ways to maximize medical care orthopedic care services, and options may evolve. physician shortage and diffi-
options and services locally, the organizations are looking ``In the current climate, hos- culty recruiting doctors to rural
avoid duplication of services at sharing cancer and cardiac pitals need to be creative in areas.
and enhance treatment. care and information technol- establishing ways to continue Nationally, as fewer patients
to provide quality care to their seek hospital care, a growing
patients without increasing number need help paying for
costs,’’ Alisha Barbera, direc- treatment, the American Hospi-
tor of quality management ser- tal Association said in a report
vices, said. ``Our discussions released in November. Rising
with Bassett are one example unemployment has meant more
of such opportunities.’’ Americans are without employ-
Fox had a 100-bed hospital, er-sponsored insurance. As a
a 131-bed nursing home, fam- result, more patients are un-
ily practice offices and other able to pay for care or are eli-
services at the FoxCare Center. gible for Medicaid, the associa-
Fox has 886 employees, Wright tion said, resulting in hospitals
said. providing more charity care or
Bassett Healthcare, a system listing more bad debt.
that includes four affiliated With tighter financial con-
hospitals and its flagship hos- ditions, the AHA said, 56 per-
pital in Cooperstown, has 3,045 cent of hospitals responding to
employees, an annual operat- surveys said they are postpon-
ing budget of $336 million, and ing renovations or plans to in-
312 doctors, including dentists crease capacity; 45 percent are
and residents. delaying purchases of clinical
Conversations between the technology; and 39 percent are
two institutions have been held delaying investments in infor-
in years past, but current talks mation technology.
are fueled by economic tur-
moil, the cost of heath care and See HOSPITALS on Page 19
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital clinic building, on River
Street in Cooperstown, is seen in April 2008.
Star file photo by Julie Lewis
18 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

Director: MMH
doesn’t
Tri-Town foresee
on target layoffs
CEO: We’ll wait
Sidney hospital bucking on purchases
fewer-patient trend, Staff Report
Bassett officials say Edmond Morache,
chief executive officer at
By Denise Richardson Margaretville Memorial
Hospital, said Medicaid
Staff Writer funding is the largest bud-
The Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney get issue for the health-
was born in 2008 and is doing well, according care provider and nurs-
to its medical director who also serves as its ing home in the recession
chief administrator. and continuing economic
Dr. Marianne Soden, chief executive of- uncertainties.
ficer, said a key to success for the Tri-Town The hospital doesn’t
Regional Hospital is developing its niche. anticipate any layoffs and
Bassett Healthcare opened Tri-Town Re- will probably delay capi-
gional Hospital in February last year. The fa- tal purchases, Morache
cility is at the 43 Pearl St. site of The Hospital said, but reactions to eco-
in Sidney, which closed in July 2005 because nomic factors won’t nega-
the community couldn’t support a full-service tively affect patient care.
hospital. Bassett leases space for its hospital For example, the hospital
from the town of Sidney, which owned The has a mammography ma-
Hospital. chine, and a delay might
Tri-Town Regional Hospital offers emer- be in purchasing a ma-
gency care, laboratory and radiology servic- chine that can take digital
es. Soden said the hospital has 65 on staff, in- photographs, he said.
cluding doctors, nurses and technicians. MMH is a 15-bed criti-
The reopening of a hospital in Sidney cal access hospital off
counters the trend in health care of downsiz- state Route 28 in the town
ing or closing hospitals, said Bassett officials, of Middletown in Dela-
who said the model fits needs in the commu- ware County. Mountain-
nity, particularly for an emergency depart- side Residential Care
ment. Soden said after The Hospital closed, Center, affiliated with the
some patients weren’t receiving health care hospital, is at the foot of
or were going out of town for treatment. Patatakan Mountain and
``We’ve been seeing a blossoming of pa- has 82 beds. The home
tients using our services,’’ Soden said. ``We opened May 1994 to pro-
may be small, but we’re tall.’’ vide 24-hour skilled nurs-
Star file photo
ing services.
See TRI-TOWN on Page 19 Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney is seen in May 2008.
See MMH on Page 19

DVH thriving,
official says
By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
Delaware Valley Hospital, a 25-bed hospital in
Walton with three family care centers, is in good con-
dition and has a positive prognosis, an administrator
said earlier this month.
Dotti Kruppo, vice president of community servic-
es, attributed DVH’s good financial picture to frugal-
ity, hard work by staff, changes in patient services
and community support.
The hospital struggled previous-
ly, she said, until about three years
ago, when fiscal practices and some
changes resulted in a turnaround.
DVH gave up its obstetrics services
in 2003, which resulted in savings,
Kruppo said, and the hospital be-
came a critical access facility.
DVH has an annual budget of
about $16 million, Kruppo said, and
last year, the hospital had a gain of
$1.6 million. The first quarter of Kruppo
Star file photo
this year also had positive results,
she said. After projecting a $20,000
O’Connor Hospital in Delhi is seen in May 2008. loss, the hospital had an operating gain of $427,000.

Economy affecting O’Connor little

By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
O’Connor Hospital has upgraded
patient beds, radiology equipment
and medical records capability and
expanded parking space, said Dan
Ayers, chief executive officer and
administrator of the Delhi facility.
The improvements put the hos-
pital in a good position to weather
current economic turmoil, said Ay-
ers, who joined the hospital five
years ago.
``We’ve had positive bottom lines
and been able to reinvest,’’ Ayers
said.
As a 25-bed critical access hos-
pital, O’Connor provides acute and
preventative health-care services.
O’Connor Hospital, which is af-
filiated with Bassett Healthcare in
Cooperstown, has an annual budget
of about $17 million and about 140
employees, Ayers said.
The hospital on Andes Road
had about 400 patient admissions
in 2008, he said, and treatments at
outpatient clinics and surgical cas-
es have increased, he said.
With the recession, the hospital
has been honing its focus on serv-
ing the community, Ayers said. Ser-
vices such as occupational health
programs with employers, consider-
ing a contract with a local nursing
home and identifying individuals
who aren’t receiving care are among
ways the hospital is reaching out
and enhancing treatment opportu-
nities and services, he said.
See O’CONNOR on Page 19
``We’re doing well financially,’’ Kruppo said. ``We
are very fortunate.’’
The recent results are because staffers have done
a ``phenomenal job’’ controlling costs by monitoring
overtime, watching spending and maximizing reim-
bursements, Kruppo said.
Delaware Valley Hospital opened as an acute care
facility in November 1951.
When DVH became a critical access hospital n
2005, reimbursement rates for treating Medicare and
Medicaid patients increased, which made a signifi-
cant difference for the hospital’s financial picture,
she said. DVH employs 225 people, including five
physicians, Kruppo said. Other doctors have privi-
leges at the hospital. As an affiliate of United Health
Services in Binghamton, DVH can refer patients to
more than 450 specialists.
See DVH on Page 19

�����
�������

���������
��������������
�������� ��� ����������������
May 30, 2009
MMH
Continued from Page 18
Margaretville Fam-
ily Health Center and
Roxbury Family Health
Center are extensions of
MMH.
Morache said the fam-
ily health centers are see-
ing fewer patients, prob-
ably because patients
cannot make the co-pay-
ments for treatment.
Charitable care provided
by the hospital remained
stable last year, but if
the continues in turmoil
this year, demand may in-
crease, he said.
Morache refused to
give budget specifics for
the hospital.
``We are operating as
efficiently as we possibly
can,’’ he said.
Officials from Bene-
dictine Hospital, The
Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 19
Kingston Hospital and
Margaretville Memorial
Hospital announced in
September 2007 the cre-
ation of Health Alliance
Planning Inc., a not-for-
profit parent corporation.
Health Alliance Planning
manages an integrated
healthcare delivery sys-
tem throughout Ulster
and Delaware counties,
including inpatient and
outpatient facilities in
Kingston, Margaretville,
Saugerties and Roxbury.
Morache said the alli-
ance will create more ef-
ficiencies through sharing
human services resourc-
es, information technol-
ogy and other cost-saving
measures.
``We always are mak-
ing contingency plans,’’
he said.

The Margaretville Memorial Hospital on state Route

28 in Margaretville is seen in May 2008. Star photo by Julie Lewis

DVH
Continued from Page 18
The recession and eco-
nomic turmoil have been
a reminder, she said, that
DVH cannot rest on its lau-
rels. For example, DVH
projects a cut of about
$105,000 from state budget
funding, Kruppo said, and
as at other health-care fa-
cilities, some patients are
delaying care based on
economic factors, includ-
ing costs and insurance
copays.
DVH staffers contin-
ue keeping a handle on
expenses, Kruppo said,
and openings are scruti-
nized before filling. For
example, a nurse who
left hasn’t been replaced
because demand has de-
creased, she said.
Last year, DVH opened
its renovated emergency
room, part of a $7.5 mil-
lion project, the largest
renovation and construc-
tion project DVH has un-
Star file photo by Brit Worgan dertaken in recent years.
The outside of Delaware Valley Hospital is seen in Walton in May 2008. The hospital also has new
diagnostic imaging equip-
ment.
The hospital recently
completed its annual
phone-a-thon, which usu-
ally raises about $20,000,
and money will be used to
upgrade to digital mam-
mography equipment.
DVH has family health
centers in Walton, Downs-
ville and Roscoe. In July,
a walk-in treatment of-
fice opened at the Walton
Family Health Center.
With about 18 patients
seen each day, the clinic
is meeting a need for
treatment on short notice,
Kruppo said.
Kruppo said the reno-
vated emergency room,
the technological up-
grades of equipment and
other improvements bet-
ter serve the community,
which seems to have no-
ticed.
``We’ve seen some re-
newed interest in the hos-
pital,’’ Kruppo said ``We
are growing in ways that
serve the patient. We’re
just growing in the right
way.’’

Tri-Town Hospitals
Continued from Page 18 turmoil is expected to be Continued from Page 17 wage freeze, It is also not cent from 2008 because ects, he said, and the hos-
The recession also has using investment income of added services, includ- pital is delaying capital
The hospital serves seen in the emergency
a broader effect on hos- for operating expenses. ing the practice in Sidney, replacements that aren’t
the Sidney, Bainbridge room the most. Many un-
pitals’ impact in local Demand has increased on Wright said. The hospital ``mission critical.’’
and Unadilla region and employed or laid off resi-
economies, the AHA said, Bassett’s financial servic- has campaigns to seek pa- Fox implemented a
couldn’t be in any better dents may seek primary
es group, a situation that tients because the number ``soft hiring freeze’’ in
position to serve a rural medical care through the because each
of visits are down at fam- the middle of 2008, which
is continuing, he
area, Soden said. At the emergency room, officials dollar spent by a
ily practices, he said. means employees are
said.
hospital, a patient in an said. hospital supports
At Fox Hos- Fox has 886 employees hired as needed and open-
emergency situation can In the past year, Sidney more than $2 of
manufacturers Amphenol pital, economic in full- and part-time jobs, ings are scrutinized to
be stabilized, then trans- additional busi-
conditions have Wright said, but the num- determine if there are
ferred via Interstate 88 or and MeadWestvaco have ness activity in a
meant no wage ber of full-time equivalent options for providing ser-
picked up for air trans- laid off workers and cut community.
increases were positions has declined to vices, Wright said. An in-
portation at the Thomas jobs. At Bassett,
given during the 750 from 780 last year. crease in patient volume
Soden said Tri-Town the recession
Z. Fagan Sidney Munici- first two quar- Fox’s investment port- in February and March
Hospital is ready to meet has resulted in
pal Airport in Sidney, she ters of this year, folio dropped 17 percent prompts hope for more
patient needs. The hos- postponement of
said. Wright said. Fox in 2008, Wright said. The business, he said.
pital’s model of
Tri-Town Re- projects such as also put a hold investment earnings were ``We’re optimistic that
keeping patients Wright
gional Hospital hospital renova- on opening a fam- used for general operating we’re seeing a little bit of
for 23 or fewer
is open 24 hours tions and finding ily practice in the expenses and capital proj- an upturn,’’ Wright said.
hours, then send-
a day, seven days more office space, West End of Oneonta at
ing them home,
a week for emer- is gaining more Streck said. The economy the former Ames Plaza, a
gency care and is acceptance as it makes expanding services, project he said was tied to
licensed for four keeps more peo- such as meeting demand the hospital’s investment
beds. The emer- ple in the com- for more school-based portfolio.
gency depart- munity and in- health centers, more dif- However, both insti-
ment can treat creases patient ficult, he said. tutions have invested in
six patients at satisfaction, ``The recession is limit- information technology,
a time and hold Soden Soden said. ing our ability to do more which is designed to pro-
some patients The hospital for the region,’’ Streck vide improved and more
for observation also offers some services said. ``This is an uncertain efficient patient care.
and treatment. Through at night, for instance ra- time.’’ Fox Hospital’s total
telemedicine connections diology services, which Streck said Bassett budget of $82 million in
with neurologists in Coo- Soden said is a benefit doesn’t have a hiring or 2009 is up about 3 per-
perstown, physicians can for patients who cannot
provide assessment and manage an appointment
treatment of stroke pa- during regular business
tients. hours. The hospital’s lab-
In 2008, Tri-Town oratory and radiology de-
Regional Hospital saw partments are open to the
10,000 patients and is on public for appointments.
track for meeting its 2009 Among connections in
goal, Soden said. The hos- the Bassett Healthcare
pital’s budget also is on affiliation are services
target, she said, and the offered at Bassett Health-
recession has meant addi- care Sidney Primary Care,
tional emphasis watching at 39 Pearl St., and Bassett
expenses. But otherwise, Healthcare Unadilla at 16
the impact of economic Clifton St. in Unadilla.

O’Connor
Continued from Page 18 said.
Primary care is being Other improvements
re-emphasized because include developing elec-
it is more cost- tronic medical records,
effective in the adding upgraded
long run, Ayers patient beds and
said. a ``complete digi-
And the hospi- tal format’’ that
tal also is work- includes ultra-
ing to meet com- sound, mammog-
munity demands raphy, CT scanner
for more physi- and radiology, he
cians and build- said. The techno-
ing on its range logical upgrades
of specialty ser- provide greater
vices, he said. Ayers diagnostic ca-
O’Connor is pability and can
continuing with send information
equipment and capital and images electronically
projects, including the to physicians at different
recent addition of about sites.
45 parking spaces, an im- ``We’ve been fortu-
provement that points to nate,’’ Ayers said. ``We
the role of the hospital as have a really good story
an ambulatory site, Ayers to tell.’’
20 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

Main Street Baptist Church

Corner of Main & Maple Sts., Oneonta
607-432-5712
9:30 a.m. Educational Hour-for all ages
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service
6:00 p.m. The Crossing Service
6:00 p.m. The Crossing Kids, Pioneer Girls and Boys’ Brigade
Nursery Care Provided - Handicapped Accessible
Bluefields Café-40 Walnut
Young Adult/College Student Facility
T he Big House-3 Maple
High School Student Facility

Community Gospel Church

&
Lighthouse Christian Academy
12 Grove Street
10 A.M. Morning Worship
Christian School Grades K-12
Youth Group Fridays at 7:00PM
Don Yarborough, Pastor
432-2031
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 21

Local real estate market doing OK

Area somewhat isolated from large swings, local agents say
By Mark Boshnack and Patricia Breakey
Staff Writers
The recession is hitting the local real estate
market, but those in the field say it could be
much worse.
Overall numbers are down, but the new first-
time home-buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 may
help spur the industry, they said.
The two large hospitals and four smaller
ones, and the three colleges in Otsego and
Delaware counties have helped keep the mar-
ket even, in general.
Here, area real estate professionals tell
about the impact the down economy has had
locally:

The Benson Agency

in Oneonta
Otsego County is a little insulated
when it comes to the economy’s im-
pact on the residential housing mar-
ket, said a Benson Real Estate Agen-
cy broker/owner, Betsy Shultis.
“We don’t get the high ups or the
low downs,” she said. With prices in
the Multiple Listing Service area that
covers Otsego County and surround-
ing counties, being relatively stable
for the past several years, “our aver-
age price in the Oneonta City School
District has actually increased in the
current economy,” she said.
The reason for that increase in-
cludes a number of people with high-
er-priced properties who are moving
to a recently opened active adult
community, she said.
“The number of units may be
down but the properties are selling,”
she said.
One thing that has been impacted
by the recession is the morale of the
buyers and sellers, she said.
“We have to overcome all the
doom and gloom,” she said. “They
believe what they hear (from the me-
dia) so they are more tentative.”
Because of that, it’s important to
get the word out, especially to the
first-time home buyer, so they can
take advantage of the low interest
rates and first-time home buyer tax
credits.
It applies to those who haven’t
owned a primary residence in the
past three years.
The brokerage is utilizing a num-
ber of specialized websites to pro-
mote business, she said.
It’s an easier way for people to get
started searching for a property, she
said. They can get an overview and
then call the real estate agent, she
said. The firm has also participated
in a recent home show.
There are some issues affecting
the business because of the economy.
It’s tougher to get financing, because
of all the problems facing the bank-
ing industry, but it is happening, she
said.
Betsy Shultis of the Benson Real Estate Agency stands at a property the
agency has listed on Walnut Street in Oneonta on April 29.
Maybe you have to put a little
more down or have a better credit
score than in the past, but the chang-
Contributed photo
Dick Cavanagh and Kathy Wright of ERA
Cavanagh-Wright Real Estate
ERA Cavanagh-Wright
in Oneonta
The effects of the national recession “trickle
down” to the local area, but not in a big way,
said Dick Cavanagh, an broker/partner at ERA
Cavanagh-Wright Real Estate.
Because of the relatively stable health and
education sectors, “it helps cushion the area
from the precipitous drops that have hit other
areas around the country.”
For example, he said that for the period from
Nov. 1, 2008, to April 21, 2009, there were 145
residential sales in the multiple listing region
that includes parts of Otsego County, including
the town and city of Oneonta, and parts of Dela-
ware County. This compares to 172 for the same
period the year before, he said.
“That’s not too bad when you consider the
rest of the country,” he said.
The total of residential properties either sold
or pending is where it was last year, he said. He
did not want to give that number for confidenti-
ality reasons.
In order to encourage sales, he is counseling
buyers and sellers about situation.
“We are targeting first-time home buyers” in
a seminar to let them know now is the time to
invest with stimulus and rates low, he said.
“Interest rates are as low as I have seen since
I started in real estate in 1990,” he said. The
first-time home-buyer tax credit being provided
under the federal stimulus plan can be as much
Star photo by Julie Lewis as $8,000, for those who qualify, he said.
Buyers should be working with a local mort-
gage counselor and getting prequalified, he
said.
es being made will be better for the — Mark Boshnack
economy, she said. More from local real estate agents
— Mark Boshnack can be found on Page 22

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$15 annual price; Good for entry to the fair all week; Free parking; Vote for directors;
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22 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
Real estate
John Turner, assistant broker at Country Boy Realty, stands next to a for sale sign at a property on Up
County Road in the town of Westford on April 29.
Bear Spring Realty
in Walton
Real estate sales may have bottomed out buyer tax credit that should be a real incen-
in most of the nation, but the locally people tive to people who are considering buying a
are still buying.
Anita Leone, owner of
Bear Spring Realty in Wal-
ton, said this is the best time
to buy, and real estate is the
best place to put your money
right now.
“Prices are lower than
they were and interest rates
are low,” Leone said. “If you
want to sell, there are people
with money looking for the
best place to put it.”
Leone said the inflated
prices of recent years have
dropped to more-reasonable
levels.
“The deals out there are
phenomenal,” she said. “The
prices were insane at one
time, but now people are be-
ing more realistic.”
Leone said her agency
would love to get more list-
ings.
“People may be feeling that this isn’t the around,” she said. “It’s still a good time to
time to sell, but there are savvy people out sell and a great time to buy.”
there who are looking to buy,” she said.
Leone noted that President Obama’s stim-
ulus package has an $8,000 first-time home-
house.
`The deals out
there are phenom-
enal. The prices
were insane at
one time, but now
people are being
more realistic.’
— Anita Leone, determine a fair price.”
owner of Bear Spring
Realty in Walton and has seen the market go
ket before, but it’s cyclical. It will come back
Opportunity
Star photo by Julie Lewis
“It’s a good time to sell
and interest rates are at an
all time low,” she said. “Most
interest rates are hovering
around 5.25 percent and with
a good credit score they can
be as low as 4.75 percent.”
Leone said real estate
agents help buyers set a
reasonable price by doing
a market analysis to deter-
mine what the market can
bear based on comparable
sales.
“People don’t have to
worry about selling too low,”
she said. “We will help them
Leone said she has been
in real estate for a long time
up and down several times.
“I’ve been in a bad mar-
— Patricia Breakey
May 30, 2009
Country Boy in Worcester
“I’m very optimistic that things will get better,”
said John Turner, associate broker at Country Boy Re-
alty Inc. in Worcester. He has been selling real estate
since 1974. He said about the impact of the recession
on residential property in Otsego County, “I’ve see it
worse.”
Properties have been selling through the winter,
though the pace was a little less than normal, he said.
“Its not booming,” he said, but there are lots of
calls.
The situation is similar to what it was about a year
ago, he said.
The buyers include a lot of young people, he said,
or people moving from the country to the village or
into a different size home.
There are some downstaters buying a second home,
but that can be a little slow right now, because those
houses aren’t selling as fast, he said.
The brokerage is dealing with the situation by mak-
ing sure that buyers know there is money available,
he said.
“I don’t believe people are aware banks are willing
to loan,” he said. “Your credit score has to be a little
better than before,” he said.
But the rates are low. To illustrate that he said he
was working on a recent deal with an interest rate of
4.2 percent, he said.
There are also tax advantages, mostly for first-time
buyers, he said.
“I don’t think the media is making people aware of
the situation,” he said.
When the television news reports about “how bad
things are, it seems people hold back,” he said. “It
makes matters worse.”
— Mark Boshnack
Country Pride Realty ing loans.
“The biggest difference is in
in Roxbury being able to obtain financing,”
Real estates sales have slowed he said. “People are looking for
down a little, but have not stopped reasonably priced property. Prop-
in the Roxbury area, according to erties that are overpriced are just
Joe Aulino, broker at sitting.”
Country Pride Realty Aulino said he is
in Roxbury. `... all things seeing a flow of peo-
ple who were waiting
“There has been
a little bit of a slow-
down, but certainly
considered, for a buying opportu-
nity.
“There are some
not to the extent other
parts of the country things aren’t good opportunities
right now, and com-
have seen,” Aulino
said. “In this part of bad.’ bined with low in-
upstate, all things terest rates, there
considered, things — Joe Aulino, are buyers out there
aren’t bad.” broker at Country looking and buying,”
Aulino said he is
Pride Realty
he added.
Sellers are real-
still seeing a good
amount of people who izing the prices of
are interested in buying, but ad- three or four years ago are just not
mits that traffic has slowed a bit there anymore, so they are adjust-
because people are more hesitant ing their prices to a more reason-
about making a big purchase or are able level, Aulino said.
waiting to see if prices continue to Aulino said people should not
go down. be hesitating to list properties be-
Getting the money to make the cause there are still buyers who
purchase is one of the biggest are interested in second homes in
stumbling blocks, with banks be- Delaware County.
— Patricia Breakey
ing much more careful about mak-
More from local real estate agents can be found on Page 23
May 30, 2009 Opportunity The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. 23
Real estate
Prudential Fox in Frank Lumia Real Estate
Oneonta and Cooperstown Plus in Delhi
Real estate in Delaware County con-
With offices in Oneonta and Coo-
tinues to sell despite the problems the
perstown, Joan Fox, a broker/owner at
real estate market has experienced in
Prudential Fox Properties said “we’re
other parts of the country, according
definitely selling property.”
to Frank Lumia of Real Estate Plus in
But, because of the recession, the
Delhi.
marketing time for homes has increased
Lumia said there is money available
since last year. Where typically it took
to qualified buyers and property prices
three to six months to sell a house, it
are at realistic levels.
can now take six months or longer in
“Loans are still available and price
Oneonta and can take up to 12 months
guidelines are being enforced,” Lumia
in Otsego County.
said. “Appraisers are doing their jobs
“We’re seeing more people coming
more diligently and buyers are making
into the area who want to buy but may
adjustments.”
be having trouble,” she said. This could
Lumia said much of the business he
be either because their own property
is seeing is from second-home buyers
hasn’t sold or they are in financial dis-
who are looking for specifics, like an old
tress because of the economy.
farmhouse or property bordering state
“We are helping these buyers find
land.
rentals,” she said.
“Real estate is regionally directed,”
The firm is also working with sellers
Lumia said. “Sales are still going on
to find “creative solutions” to market-
here.”
ing properties such as lease-purchase
Lumia said
with a qualified buyer.
Historically low interest rates are
definitely helping the situation, she
the first-time
home-buyer in- `Real estate
centive includ-
said. She was working with a buyer who
has 4.5 percent for 30-year fixed mort-
ed in President is region-
Obama’s stimu-
gage. The rule of thumb was that if you
could get mortgage under 9 percent,
lus package has ally directed.
also prompted
that was good, she said.
A first-time home-buyer tax credit
people to con-
sider buying
Sales are
through the federal government is also
available for those who purchase be-
houses.
“First-time
still going on
fore the end of 2009. For someone who
hasn’t owned a primary residence in
three years, “it’s a pretty good incen-
home-buyers
are flexible,” here.’
he said. “They
tive,” Fox said.
know they are — Frank Lumia
There are a small-
buying a first of Real Estate Plus
er buyer pool of buy-
home that will in Delhi
ers and more prop-
probably not be
erties are coming on
their home forever, so they are looking at
the market, she said.
smaller, less-expensive properties.”
Because of this, “we
Lumia noted that one of the biggest ef-
are doing more open
fects the recession is having on the real
houses and first-time
estate market is the way it affects the
home-buyers semi-
people in the real estate business.
nars.”
“A lot of people fall out of the busi-
Barbara Roberts,
ness and give up their real estate licens-
Roberts who is also a broker/
es,” he said. “A great salesperson makes
owner at firm, said
opportunities and makes sure buyers are
when analyzing the sales in Otsego
qualified before he spends time showing
County and Cooperstown, which is not
properties they can’t buy.
included in the Multiple Listing Ser-
“A good broker has a higher closing
vice numbers, it’s “pretty clear” that
ratio and can survive this kind of a mar-
fewer houses are selling at lower prices
ket,” he added.
and taking longer to sell, but the situa-
Star photo by Julie Lewis Lumia said buyers and sellers should
tion is better than the overall national
be taking the time to make sure they are
picture, she said. Joan Fox, owner/broker of Prudential Fox Realty, right, stands with client Beth working with a real estate agent who be-
The prices for the period from Nov. Orgeron at Orgeron’s recently purchased home on Oneonta on May 1. longs to a multiple listing service so they
1, 2007, to April 21, 2008, average selling
have access to all of the people who may
price in the Oneonta school district de- cent to $169,150; and days on market, 5.1 While prices for houses $150,000 and be interested in selling their property
clined 9.5 percent to $150,600. The days percent to 169. under have been relatively stable, a de- and all of the real estate agents who may
on the market increased by 15 percent, By comparison, in the Northeast, cline in the sale of higher end proper- have interested buyers.
to 169 days. The number of houses sold the median existing single family home ties is causing a decline in the overall “It’s not an advantage to a seller or a
declined 26.9 percent to 38. In Otsego price declined 15.9 percent to $235,000 numbers. This is particularly clear in buyer to work with a Realtor who just has
County for that time overall, the de- for the first quarter of 2009 as compared Cooperstown, where second homes are in-house listings,” Lumia said.
clines were: houses sold, 22.5 percent to last year, according to the National not selling well, she said. — Patricia Breakey
to 117; average selling price, 1.5 per- Association of Realtors. — Mark Boshnack
24 The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y. Opportunity May 30, 2009

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