Jim Weiss

The Town Board reviewed and adopted resolutions approving bills listed on the General, Highway, and Water District Abstracts for the previous month. Key agenda items included planning for the County Grant Writer to attend a future meeting and compiling a list of needs and wants for that writer. The Town Supervisor reported on recent correspondence and noted that a new accountant will be present at the April meeting. The Highway Superintendent's report covered cleanup days scheduled for May 16 and 17, along with maintenance activities like changing a cutting edge on a truck. The Town Historian provided an update on activities. Further business involved arranging a tribute for George Chevalier at the Town Hall, soliciting bids for pavilion and hall foyer renovations, inquiring about the Birnie Bus, and approving an extension of time for the tax collector to collect taxes until May 31. Finally, the board approved the Judge's 2025 report.

The document outlines the fiscal budget for the Town of Harford, New York, for the year 2026. It includes a summary of estimated revenues, unexpended fund balances, and the amount to be raised by tax for both the General Fund and the Highway Fund. The budget also details revenues and expenditures for various town departments and special districts, such as the Water District and Fire District. Key areas covered include real property taxes, non-property tax items, departmental income, use of money and property, licenses and permits, fines and forfeitures, sales of property, state aid, and interfund revenues. Appropriations are allocated for town board expenses, justice services, supervisor functions, accounting, tax collection, assessor activities, town clerk operations, legal services, records management, building operations, central printing and mailing, data processing, special items, traffic control, dog control, ambulance services, highway superintendence, garage maintenance, street lighting, parks, playgrounds, historian activities, culture and recreation, zoning, planning, cemeteries, employee benefits, and budgetary provisions.

The board reviewed and approved the minutes of the previous meeting and approved bills from the General, Highway, and Harford Mills Water District Abstracts. A report from the County Legislator was received, and the Town Clerk reported on correspondence including checks received. A resident raised concerns about a collapsing road. Several items were tabled for the next meeting, including a walking trail bid, two stormwater agreements, and Coty paperwork.

The Town Board meeting focused on the 2025 Town Budget and addressed public questions and comments. The board approved the minutes of the October 7, 2024 meeting, approved bills from General Abstract #11, Highway Abstract #11, and Harford Mills Water District Abstract #11, and reviewed the Supervisor's monthly report. A skid steer purchase for the Highway Department was approved, and the Town Historian presented their annual report. Public comments included concerns about safety near the Post Office, prompting discussion of potholes, sight distance, and speed limits. The 2025 Town Budget was approved. The board also discussed the upcoming public hearing for the new Harford Mills Water District Laws, along with other topics such as Amish zoning and shared services. A separate Harford Mills Water Board meeting was held to discuss the draft local law establishing regulations for the Harford Mills Water District #1, which was subsequently approved. A water leak was also reported and plans to address it were discussed.

This public meeting addressed questions and concerns regarding the new Harford Mills Water District #1 regulations. Discussion points included insufficient funds from a settlement, water quality issues, inadequate service, billing inaccuracies, excessive water charges, billing process problems, difficulty locating water shutoffs, inconsistent payment instructions, and the role of a specific individual (Stairs) in the water district. Concerns about the new regulations included billing methods, the hearing officer designation, water shutoff procedures, legal fees, effective dates of new fees, and notification procedures for property work. The Town lawyer explained the lack of prior regulations and the need for improved financial practices. The Town's position on not providing funds to the Water District was clarified, and a suggestion for proactive engagement from water district members was offered.