NORWICH – Chenango County Traffic Safety Executive Secretary Jan Miles fought hard for her department last week, and won.

Members of the Finance Committee voted Thursday to stay in the business of offering defensive driving courses despite an earlier Safety & Rules Committee decision to zero the traffic department out.

Though the pricetag isn’t large – only $12,400 that would have been pared from next year’s levy – Miles’ reinstatement is indicative of the types of infighting and budgeting woes confronting the Chenango County Board of Supervisors during these trying fiscal times.

Financial leaders also voted to combine the Fire and Emergency Management Services department and move EMS Director Matt Beckwith from the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center. The switch, also denied by Safety & Rules, is intended to save $8,800 next year.

But, that’s just for 2011. It’s nearly certain the move will result in a new dispatcher position being created in the Sheriff’s Office that could possibly pay a $33,000 to $42,000 annual salary without benefits.

“We saved about nine grand, but down the road the Sheriff will press for his position back,” said Supervisor Rich Schlag, D-German.