BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — An Ogdensburg resident is calling on City Council to reconsider renewing City Manager Fonda Chronis’ contract and is launching a petition urging the city to conduct a new search for the position when his current contract expires.

Fonda Chronis, who was appointed Ogdensburg city manager in 2024, previously served as Schuyler County administrator and assistant county administrator in Schoharie County. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and policy studies from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in public administration from the university’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, with a concentration in local government financial management. 

Chronis was hired under a three-year contract with an annual salary that increased from $140,000 in his first year to $150,000 in his third. During his tenure in Ogdensburg, the city has secured millions of dollars in grant funding, completed a citywide reassessment and installed a new splash pad. 

His administration has also faced challenges filling the vacant city planner position following the departure of Andrea Smith, leaving the city working to maintain planning operations while seeking a replacement.

With his first term nearing its end, Cale Sargent, a lifelong Ogdensburg resident and 2018 Ogdensburg Free Academy graduate, says the city should cast a wide net in searching for potential candidates before approving a new contract.

He addressed council during its Monday, Sept. 28 meeting, expressing concern that members may be preparing to offer Chronis a new contract without first seeking public input.

Sargent, who said he had spoken individually with two council members in the past week, said both told him the council expected to sign a new contract with Chronis soon.

He questioned the lack of public discussion surrounding the potential renewal.

“I understand that there is no legal obligation to announce these negotiations or collect information regarding how the taxpayers feel about this specific issue,” Sargent said. “However, just because something doesn't have to be done, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.”

Chronis’ current contract expires July 1, 2027. Sargent said Chronis is earning $150,000 this year, in addition to a stipend for duties associated with the vacant city planner position.

Assuming no salary increase and excluding the additional stipend, Sargent estimated that a three-year contract renewal would represent at least $450,000 in salary expenses.

“Needless to say, this is a big decision, especially considering the current state of our city,” he said.

Sargent, who said he graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2022 with a degree in business and government and has lived and worked in other cities and countries, described Ogdensburg as being at a critical point in its development.

He cited declining population, business closures and departures, economic challenges and the loss of young residents as concerns facing the city.

“I am personally of the opinion that Ogdensburg is in a make-or-break situation,” Sargent said.

He said that the results achieved during Chronis’ tenure have not been sufficient to reverse the city's challenges and said the city should begin searching for a new manager when his current contract expires.

“It is my opinion that the city should be opening another search for a new city manager when the current contract expires,” he said.

Sargent said that his comments were not motivated by personal disagreements with Chronis or any council member. He said he did not know Chronis personally and respected those who dedicate their time to serving the city.

His primary concern, he said, was ensuring that residents have a voice in a decision with long-term financial and administrative implications.

Sargent said  that he had brought a petition calling for the city to reopen the city manager position and accept applications from new candidates. He said he intended to present the petition and its collected signatures to council.

“If the council does after all decide to sign him on for another term, I will wish him the best of luck then, too, as I only want what's best for the city that I call home,” Sargent said.