Town of Owego

Key discussions included reports from department heads: the Town Historian received a plaque from the Pomeroy Foundation, the sign for astronaut Doug Hurley was ready for installation, and the ice rink at pavilion #4 was prepared. A workshop concerning the Director of Utilities was scheduled. Actions taken included approving a budget transfer for the Planning Department, approving abstracts for various funds, approving Wellhead Protection Permit #3, 2025, approving Planning/Zoning Board appointments, tabling a decision on the Highway Department promotion, approving the closure of Town Hall early on December 24, 2025, approving an agreement with Waterman Conservation Education Center for the 2026 Forest Recreation Camp Program, tabling the CPL Agreement Proposal for Sewer Treatment #1, and approving the Town of Owego Employees' Association Contract. During Executive Session, merit bonuses were approved for Eric Fredrick and Jess Irizarry.

The meeting included public hearings concerning Water Extension #13, which involved an ad valorem tax levy approval, and Consolidated Sewer District Extensions #14 and #15, which involved the adoption of resolutions regarding estimated expenditures and assessment unit calculations for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2026. A public hearing was also held for the Preliminary Budget for 2026, which was subsequently passed, highlighting changes in insurance costs, decreases in the General Fund budgets, and specific proposed rates for Water and Sewer Districts, while noting the Town is under the New York State Property Tax Cap. Department reports covered updates on leaf pickup, upcoming mandatory training sessions for code officers, campground revenue, and the status of tax bill preparations. Additionally, the Board approved an Outside User Agreement for Mr. Mark Fedorchak to connect to municipal services and authorized a Hold Harmless Agreement with Wagner Hardwoods, LLC, concerning temporary culvert reinforcement for truck access. The session concluded with the approval of payment abstracts totaling $511,710.95.

The Owego Town Board meeting included reports from the Sole Assessor and the Town Clerk & Tax Receiver. The assessor's office is purging files according to New York State retention guidelines. The deputy clerk is managing water payments smoothly in Laura's absence. The 2023 audit is expected to be completed in a couple of weeks, with the 2024 audit by year-end. An Online Banking Policy is under review. Proclamations were approved for participants in Trunk or Treat, including the Campville Fire Department, Texas Road House, WEBO Radio, and others. A motion was made to approve abstracts, with an amendment to pull a specific check for further research.

The Owego Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A public hearing for sewer and water district extensions was postponed. Approval was granted for sending Chris Lykens to an Activated Sludge training class. The board approved the purchase of a utility trailer from CNY Farm and a waste water sampling kit. A formal objection was submitted regarding an invoice for a Memorial Project. A check for the Wait's Church historic marker will be deposited. A resident reported a street light outage, and another requested information on the Highway Department's Union contract and GPS access.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. A Truck or Treat event at Hickories Park was approved. The board discussed a complaint about a culvert and addressed concerns about a vehicle accident involving a town truck. Residents raised questions about storm drain maintenance, timber transport, road work, and solar development plans. The board approved abstracts and the Decommissioning Plan for Valley Solar NY LLC. A resolution supporting Energy Choice was passed. The board also scheduled a public hearing for the 2026 budget and tabled proposals for a sign, and culvert replacements.