Stamford Deputy Highway Superintendent to Get Stipend

HOBART – The June 11 meeting of the Stamford Town Board opened with an executive session as they continue to negotiate a new contract with the town's highway crew. They also heard an update about Headwaters Emergency Services and agreed to contract for maintenance of the solar-powered speed signs in the hamlet of South Kortright, during their regular meeting.

The executive session resulted in a motion to pay Kevin Rinehart, deputy highway superintendent, a $1,000/pay period stipend until the end of the year. With the passing of the highway Superintendent Jon Ballard earlier this year and when he was ill, Rinehart, as the deputy, has been overseeing crew operations as well as serving as a member of the crew.  "He really has been filling two roles and we felt we want to reward him for it," said Supervisor John Kosier. The motion to do that was passed unanimously.

The crews have been paving, with Scutt Road recently completed. Davis Road will require repairs from last week's flash flooding and Rinehart reported a second excavator will be needed to replace the culvert pipe that was washed out with a larger 15-foot pipe going in. He will get an emergency permit to do the work which must be completed within 30 days. Work on new culverts is also scheduled for June 17 and 18  from Red Rock to Pearl St.. The ditches will be done where they "took a hit " from the storm. 

Meg Hungerford, treasurer and member of the board of directors for HEMS, along with Eileen King and Liz Page, also board members, was present to provide an update on operations and to inform the town board they will be asking for a two percent increase for 2026 to cover the increased cost of doing business. This will be the final year of funding under an existing grant from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation to get the private, not-for-profit ambulance service established. "We haven't used all of the funding from last year," said Hungerford. "We are hoping to keep spending down so that we can hold the town's contribution to a reasonable rate." 

She also reported they are seeking a new director of operations and the board of directors is taking its time and working hard to find a person who will be a "good fit" for the organization. She said the town board will see the amounts of billing decrease now that Headwaters is operating under its own certificate of need.

When asked where they have advertised the director of operations position, she said they have advertised on media sites and with EMS agencies. "We have talked to many in the EMS world. It has been a challenge as we work to operate with more efficiency in our billing."

Councilman Dan Deysenroth said they may actually want to ask for more of an increase for the coming year, since it will be the first year without Robinson-Broadhurst.

Board members approved the payment of $300 per year for a three-year maintenance contract for the speed zone signs, which are digital, solar and computerized.

Board members finished the night by giving approval for the annual Hobart Rotary Club Sausage and Brew Festival in August, to be held in the parking lot of the town hall once again. A motion to do that was approved.