Laurie Kilburn

The meeting agenda was accepted, and the minutes from the January 2, 2026 organizational meeting were approved. Key communications included updates on independent auditors scheduled for March 19, 2026, the status of Annual Financial Reporting with the State Comptroller Office, and the NYMIR insurance renewal. Old business involved Supervisor Napoli requesting assistance with waterline projects on South Countyline Road, Marshall Road, and Mill Road. New business featured the adoption of a resolution to set a public hearing for proposed new water rates on February 17, 2026. Another resolution authorized an agreement with Orleans County for a nine-year Pictometry flyover project, with costs not to exceed $1.40 per parcel. The Board also accepted the annual report from the Town Historian. Department reports covered the Fire Department's 2025 call statistics (378 total calls), busy tax collection activity by the Town Clerk, updates on exemptions and STAR compliance from the Assessor, derelict structure enforcement by Code Enforcement, and ongoing snow plowing by the Highway Superintendent. Finally, the Board approved the payment of abstract bills totaling $309,189.67.

The meeting commenced with presentations, including a proclamation honoring Richard E. Howes for his significant conservation efforts within the Town of Ridgeway, for which Supervisor Napoli also presented a certificate. Key resolutions adopted included granting special recognition to Richard E. Howes, approving the 2026 health insurance and Medicare contract with Independent Health, approving a contract with the Ridgeway Fire Company, approving an addition to the personnel manual regarding continued health insurance for elected officials upon retirement (with the cost covered by the official), and urging the New York Legislature to exempt public employees' health insurance premiums from the State Real Property Tax Cap. Department reports covered Fire Company call statistics for November, Town Clerk's preparation for tax season, Assessor's housing market report, Code Enforcement training progress, and Highway Superintendent's snow plowing activities. The board also reviewed and approved the payment of abstract bills totaling $92,169.16.

The public hearing focused on the 2026 Preliminary Budget, specifically concerning the budget allocation for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. The Fire Chief requested a budget of $300,000, citing increased State mandates, utility costs, and lower fundraising income, noting that the preliminary proposed amount of $250,000 provides no surplus and barely covers truck payments, leaving no funds for necessary gear or building updates. Fire department members emphasized the challenges faced by volunteer services. The Board also heard a request from the Village of Medina Trustee to shift snow plowing costs to reduce the tax burden on Village residents who might be paying double for salt/snow plowing services. The Board decided to postpone the budget passage to meet with the Fire Company the following day for further contract discussion.

The Ridgeway Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board adopted a local law to override the tax limit established in NYS General Municipal Law, and they set a public hearing for the 2026 preliminary budget. Reports were given by the Fire Company, Town Clerk, Assessor, Code Enforcement Officer, Town Attorney, Highway Superintendent, and County Legislator. The Highway Superintendent provided an update on the Knowlesville/Eagle Harbor Road waterline. The board also discussed filling positions on the Board of Assessment Review and updates on the County's budget. Finally, the board approved the payment of bills.

The meeting focused on the organization of the Town for the upcoming year, including the swearing in of elected officials. Key actions involved passing resolutions to make annual appointments for various town roles, depositories, newspapers, and board positions. The Board also reappointed the Town Clerk as Registrar of Vital Statistics for a three-year term, accepted various appointments made by the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and Town Justice, and set committee appointments. Furthermore, the Board established salaries and wages for salaried and hourly personnel, set the mileage allowance for official business, authorized the Supervisor to pay certain vouchers prior to audit, and established the schedule for regular Town Board meetings and workshop sessions for 2026. Resolutions were also adopted regarding payroll frequency, co-sponsorship of the Senior Citizen Program, Town Hall business hours, authorization for the Supervisor to sign 2026 contracts, naming the Town Clerk as the official timekeeper, specifying work weeks for full-time deputies and clerks, approving attendance at training conferences, requiring acknowledgment of the personnel manual, and setting holidays for the Town Office.