Carol Buzzell

The Annual Town Meeting addressed numerous articles, including the election of a moderator and town officers, and the selection of members for the Ella Augusta Thompson Committee and Julia Adams Morse Library Committee. Key financial decisions involved voting on budget amounts for various expense accounts, including Administrative Wages, Employee Benefits, Fire Department Compensation, and Public Works maintenance. The assembly voted on changes to the annual town meeting date, interest rates for late taxes, and authorization for the Selectmen to dispose of tax-acquired real estate and town-owned personal property. Various articles related to the Capital Reserve Accounts, including reimbursement for the Fire Department Truck Capital Reserve Account, were also voted upon. Discussions also included appropriations for the Allen Pond Improvement Association and charitable organizations, and amendments to the Land Use Ordinance regarding road construction standards and Accessory Dwelling Units.

The meeting, which was postponed from its originally scheduled date, included multiple executive sessions. The first authorized an agreement with Brann & Isaacson regarding property at 1316 Route 202. The second executive session addressed a personnel matter, resulting in the board consenting to a proposed settlement in the case of Ronald Hutchinson v. Town of Greene and John Soucy. Old business covered updates on road maintenance, including the removal of a tree on Sedgley Road, and the smooth operation of the Transfer Station and Fire Department activities (46 calls total). Key financial discussions involved revisiting the FY 26/27 budget, where adjustments were made to line items for computer upgrades (increasing funding to $10,000.00) and Public Works purchases. The meeting concluded with the approval of several Accounts Payables and Payroll Warrants.

The meeting addressed updates on town operations, including road maintenance, where staff focused on restocking salt and sand, and the Transfer Station, addressing container freezing issues. The Fire Department reported 54 calls for December, including 16 fire-related and 38 EMS related calls, and confirmed the acquisition of an extractor and dryer. The Board received and discussed the Auditor's Management Letter, which indicated the need to update outdated policies and review procedures for employee payment compliance. The Town Manager reported being in the final stages of hiring a new Animal Control Officer and provided an update on the Greene Central School's potential use as an Emergency Shelter. New Business included the presentation of three potential warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting concerning a Public Works Truck, Contingency, and a Recall of Elected Officials Ordinance. Discussions also covered the signature process for Payroll & AP Warrants and the mechanics of the undesignated fund. Finally, the Board approved several Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.

The meeting included updates from Public Works regarding truck maintenance, drain cleaning, salt stocking, and cleanup following a windstorm. The Transfer Station update noted operational issues with backhoes and a request for internet and wireless cameras. The Fire Department reported normal operations. Key discussions involved the completion of the first annual quarter property revaluation review, which resulted in a net assessment increase of $415,600. The Board also reviewed attorney fees related to a questioned Revenue Anticipation Note for road and infrastructure improvements. Preparations for the January budget meetings were set, including setting deadlines for department heads and scheduling review sessions with the Board and Budget Committee. The possibility of using Greene Central School as an Emergency Shelter was discussed. New business included considering recipients for the Spirit of America Award and approving an updated Protested Check Policy. Finally, the Board approved several Accounts Payables and Payroll Warrants.

The meeting covered updates on Public Works, including roadside brush clearing possibilities and assessing dirt roads for future paving. The Transfer Station was reported as running smoothly. The Fire Department reported 31 calls for November. The CEO Report detailed building and plumbing permits issued, and discussions ensued regarding junkyard definitions and a sign issue at the Circle K location which requires follow-up with DOT. FEMA fund allocation for paving Longley Road and College Road was discussed, along with pending information requests regarding attorney payments. Department heads were instructed to prepare budgets for review at the subsequent meeting. An emergency shelter plan involving Greene Central School was introduced, and tentative dates for the 2026 Selectmen's meetings were reviewed. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters. Finally, several Accounts Payables and Payroll Warrants were approved, though one specific payroll warrant required additional signatures and compliance checks.