In a media release earlier this week, Edwards expanded on the announcement, saying the decision to keep the Sherman Shop open this summer is based on the commitment his office received from the Village of Sherman and the Town of Sherman to enter into a professional analysis of collective highway efforts. The county executive said The study will determine if we can bring potential savings to taxpayers by maintaining the same services, but by sharing a single facility for all three of these operations and sharing our resources.

The study is expected to be completed by next summer. After it is reviewed, a decision will be made on the future of highway operations in Sherman.

According to an article in today’s Jamestown Post-Journal, Sherman Village Mayor John Patterson informed the village board that the Sherman Shop will most likely not be shutting down this summer. He said he learned that would be the case after having several discussions with County Executive Greg Edwards, although as of yet no official word has come from either Edwards or DPF Director George Spanos.

The county was looking at closing the shop for half the year to cut back on costs associated with operating it during the summer months. Instead, workers would report to the highway garages in either Falconer or Sheridan.  No employees were scheduled to lose their job and the shop would remain in operation during the winter plowing season.

However, workers at the shop as well as the Sherman Community objected to the closure, saying it would be an inconvenience as well as a negative impact on business in that area.

Earlier this month, County executive Greg Edwards and County Public Facilities Director George Spanos announced they were looking into a possible change in the operation of the County Highway Barn in Sherman. As a cost savings measure, the county is considering closing the barn only for half the year during the summer construction season. Crews that work in the barn would instead report to the highway barns in Sheridan or Falconer. The barn would remain open during the winter plowing season and that it would result in no layoffs. It is estimated that by closing the building during the summer months, the county could save as much as $150,000.

Tonight’s meeting is intended more as a public information session, with both Spanos and Edwards addressing any questions the community may have. It will take place at 7 p.m. in the Sherman Fire Department and is open to the public.

Last week, Edwards addressed the issue of the County Highway Barn, saying that he and Spanos were considering closing the barn only for half the year during the summer construction season. Crews that work in the barn would instead report to the highway barns in Sheridan or Falconer. He also said that the barn would remain open during the winter plowing season and that it would result in no layoffs.

Today’s meeting will take place at 4 p.m. in the Gerace office building in Mayville. It is open to the public.