By R.J. DeLuke
A state Supreme Court judge ruled in late July that the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC), the main agency in the county responsible for bring in new business and retaining jobs, is a privately run organization therefore not subject to financial oversight by the New York State Authorities Budget Office.
The decision was handed down by Acting state Supreme Court judge Richard Koweek on July 27.
For SEDC, it hopefully puts an end to a struggle that began in 2005 when state legislation was passed hoping to bring such agencies—those that receive public funding—under the state’s purview for more disclosure of financial information and more scrutiny.
The Authorities Budget Office overstepped its power in making that determination, the judge ruled.
“We’re very pleased” said Dennis Brobston, SEDC president. “We knew from the beginning we had rights and we didn’t want to be bullied. We were doing what we said we would, the right way.”
“It’s been a long 17 years” struggling with this issue,” he said. “It’s one less thing to worry about. Now lets go out and do the things we need to do” to promote the county and grow the economy.
The state entity had argued that services SEDC provided to the county and industrial development agencies extend beyond what is permitted under county law. SEDC works with the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and industrial development agencies on a yearly renewable pact for marketing services that help in its mission to grow jobs while promoting the county. But most of its budget comes from investors.
