School Board Election Slated for May 17th

The Middleburgh Central School Board will be holding elections next month for two vacancies. This is also at the time that voters will decide on the 2011-2012 budget. One seat open is that currently held by Kim Smith, whose term would be for three years. The other would be for former member Jim Barber. This term would last approximately fourteen months.

The Middleburgh school site has more information.

Rent Reduction Rejected

During the discussions on the 2011-2012 Village Budget, the issue of rent paid to the Town was raised. Passed last year, the Village Board accepted a deal to pay the Town $500 a month or $6,000 a year in order to store Village equipment.

The issue of rent was brought up by Trustee Avitabile, who originally wanted to eliminate the practice altogether. At the meeting, he made a motion to cut the rent in half. Trustee Gruning considered the motion, but wanted more information first. Mayor Ansel-McCabe or Trustee Bowman did not second the motion. Without a second, the motion died and no action was taken.

Consolidation Committee Formed

The Middleburgh Village Board named a committee to look into consolidating the Town and Village of Middleburgh Highway Departments. The Committee will be made up of Trustees Gruning and Avitabile.

Village Budget Passed

The Middleburgh Village Board passed a final draft of the 2011-2012 municipal budget. The vote was 4-0 with Trustee Ingraham absent. The Board accepted the deal, which cut $16,000 in additional spending and increased taxes from $5.75 to $5.85 per $1000, or a 1.2% increase. The salaried workers of the Village offered to forego pay raises and no workers were laid off.

Drainage Issues Discussed

The drainage situation on Grove Street and Maple Avenue was discussed at the latest Board meeting. Maple Avenue resident Rita Leith was in attendance, asking for a solution. One possible solution could be running a pipe through a neighbor's lawn.