Stamford Sets Nov 12 Budget Hearing

HOBART –   Henry LaMont of LVDV provided a rundown of how the sewer budget is developed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which pays 86.9 percent of the budget. He was also present to provide the plan for the first hookup to be added to the new sewer system in the hamlet of South Kortright during last Wednesday’s regular meeting of the town board.

Stamford Town Board members decided to rebid  the fuel bids, with just one bid received and they approved a site plan for George Haynes to add a foundry to his property on River St. in the hamlet of Bloomville, which is also a registered motor vehicle repair shop, during their regular meeting last Wednesday.

Ted Kosier was present to report the Hobart Rotary Club wished to thank the town board for its support in serving as the sponsor agency for a grant from the Roxbury Arts Group to help provide live music for the annual Sausage and Brew Festival. The festival is held annually in the parking lot at the Stamford Town Hall. "We wish to thank you for your support and helping to make this a highly successful event," said Kosier. He also asked permission to use the parking lot for the 2026 Sausage and Brew Festival, which board members approved.

George Haynes was present to provide a site plan review for his Catskill Castings and George L Haynes Holdings. He is looking to add a foundry at the site to produce the blue and gold historic markers there. He currently has a foundry in Greene, NY. He said he would continue to produce signs at the Greene location, but would add the historic markers to his space in Bloomville. Town board members approved the site plan.

Main Care was the only bidder on the town's fuel bids, providing prices on unleaded gasoline, low sulphur diesel and kerosene, all at variable rates. Board members decided to rebid to see if they could get additional bids to be approved next month. 

Board members also granted permission for the installation of a weather  station at the town hall in Hobart, as part of the county emergency management hazard mitigation plan. The weather stations will be scattered at strategic locations around the county to provide public access data that can be monitored for data collection and prediction information. Board members agreed, following the presentation by Josh Roe and Leslie Carlson, from the county's Planning Department.

Following his presentation, Henry Lamont said the community's share of the sewer budget will be 3.8 percent, a slight increase of $6.54 in the annual residential sewer fee.

It was noted there is a sign missing on the Rt. 23  entrance to the town of Stamford from the town of Roxbury. Supervisor John Kosier asked if a sign could be placed delineating the change in townships.

Bill Sechrist and John Dropp were each reappointed to another term on the town's planning board and Ken Grant was reappointed to the town's Assessment Review Board.

A public hearing on  the proposed 2026 budget, which remains within the allowable state tax cap, was set for 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 12, the next regular meeting of the town board.

There was also discussion about the condition of a culvert crossing on Foot Hollow Road. It must be completely replaced and will be in the coming year's budget for repair, according to Kevin Rinehart, deputy highway superintendent.. In the meantime, some additional warning cones will be posted at the site.