Town Looks To Form An Ambulance District
by Doug La Rocque
The Poestenkill Town Board has approved a resolution that sets Tuesday, March 30, as the date for a special election on whether or not property holders in the town would like to see a Poestenkill Ambulance District created. The town has been without its own ambulance service for many years and currently relies on the Mohawk Ambulance Service and other mutual aid calls for coverage. The voting will take place at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post at 25 Veterans Street from noon to 8 pm. As this involves the creation of a tax district (very similar to how most volunteer fire departments now work) under New York State Law, only property holders are eligible to vote in this election. If property is owned by a corporation or association it may designate one person to cast its vote.
If the resolution to create the district is approved, then the town can immediately begin to negotiate a budget and scope of services agreement. If not, then the status quo remains.
According to the resolution authorizing the vote, on an average home in the town, that being assessed at $225,000, it would mean a separate taxing district charge of about $85. This, of course, changes with the value of the property.
According to the town website, Supervisor Keith Hammond, and Councilmen Eric Wohleber and Harold Van Slyke are in favor of the election, while Councilman David Hass and Councilwoman June Butler were opposed. A complete copy of the resolution is posted on the Town of Poestenkill’s website.