"At this point we are putting money in- taxpayer and local money is going into the program, so yes, we would probably save some money. We are in a budget year where we are looking at cutting two million dollars out of a 140 million dollar budget," said legislator Jim Dennis.

While the county looks to save money, the health department wants to ensure that the program continues no matter who sponsors it.

"The health department is committed to keeping the WIC program viable. So we'd be working with WIC and with the state health department to ensure that services would still be provided until things change," said Theresa Lyczko, the Tompkins County Health Department public information officer.

WIC sponsorship up for vote

County sponsorship of Tompkins County's Women and Infant Children program may be in jeopardy. The county votes next week on whether or not to continue sponsoring WIC. As our Allison Lazarz tells us there are many questions surrounding the future of the program.

"I think there's some indication that other agencies probably could run the program better than we are," said Dennis.

As for a loss of jobs due to a potential transition, Lyczko would only said that it's up to the agency that picks the program who they hire.

"If the county doesn't sponsor the program and another agency is chosen- is delegated by the state health department to pick it up- then it's up to them to hire staff to run the program," said Lyczko.

Lyczko also said that if there is a period of transition, keeping the program running to ensure that clients get the services they need is a top priority of the health department.

The legislature votes on whether or not to discontinue sponsorship of the WIC program on Tuesday, May 20th.