Talks Lights, Library, Tax Collections And Area Business
by Doug La Rocque
Meeting once again via Zoom conference on Monday, February 15, the Stephentown Town Board enjoyed a brief and light hearted meeting, devoid of the sometimes controversial and serious matters that can dog any town (not just Stephentown) from time to time.
Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt went over the books from January, explaining things are not as bleak as they may look, because the town makes its annual payments to area organizations in the beginning of the year, and that 2021 tax revenues generally do not come in until some time in February. Or, in other words, financially, the town is in good stead.
Library News
Director Kim Roppolo and board member Jen Peabody talked about some upcoming programs, including events for Easter. They also said the Valentine’s Day Bake Sale yielded some sweet results. It is expected the Library will know by March 31 if the grant it applied for to complete a survey of roles and needs of several area service organizations, was approved. It is also looking for a couple of new board members, and the library continues with its hybrid schedule, open by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with curbside pickup on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visit the library’s website for more information.
Lending A Hand
Supervisor Eckhardt said the Stephentown Community Association has held its first meeting. The organization is geared toward promoting area small business. One item before it was the question if there are any snowmobile trails in the town. According to Mr. Eckhardt, the answer is yes, running along Route 43 east toward Hancock, MA. The literature on the trial lists sites one can stop to refresh both their gas tanks and bellies. Not on that list is Dave’s Market on Route 43, something the Supervisor says he and the owner are working to correct.
“I Saw The Light”
We are not talking about the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel or a heavenly radiance, but good old fashioned street lights. Supervisor Eckhardt said there were two lights out along the Main Street, one by the intersection of Routes 43 and 22. According to Mr. Eckhardt, he has seen that light is back on, and that the other, which apparently was missing, is also back up.
New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) is planning to update the lights in the town, but according to the Supervisor, it will be using a private contractor.
Other News
Tax Collector Mary Grant says the percentage of taxes collected in January this year was exactly the same as last year, at 64 percent. Taxes were due January 31, but you can still pay in February and March, before the bills are turned over to the county to collect.
Assessor Jen VanDeusen says she is compiling the numbers for a possible town wide re-evaluation, and should be able to tell the board soon if it will proceed. The town is also looking for a member of the Board of Assessment Review. Unlike service on a town or planning board, this requires one day of schooling, and usually one day of work in May and October, and you get paid. If interested, contact Ms. VanDeusen or the Town Clerk’s office.