Laraway to Leave M'burgh Village After More than 20 Years of Service

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - After more than 20 years with the Village of Middleburgh, Melanie Laraway will be leaving her post as clerk in October.

Village board members accepted her resignation at a special meeting Monday evening in the village hall.

Ms. Laraway, who succeeded long-time clerk Janet Mayer, sent this letter to the board on August 18:

"Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as clerk/treasurer. My last day of employment will be October 14, 2025.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work at the Village of Middleburgh for the past 20 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and appreciate all the opportunities you have given me. However, I have decided it is time for me to move on to my next challenge.

"I would like to do anything I can to help with the transition, including wrapping up my responsibilities and training a new person over the next four weeks. If I can be of any other assistance during this time, please let me know."

Board members thanked Ms. Laraway for her service. She was not at the meeting.

"Over her tenure as first deputy clerk and then later clerk, Melanie has become the face of the Village hall for our residents," Mayor Tim Knight said.

"Whether it be someone coming in to pay their water bill, schedule a burial for their loved one, or getting a form notarized, Melanie has treated everyone with warmth and professionalism."

At the meeting, Mayor Knight noted, "As a Mayor, your right-hand man everyday is the clerk."

The village clerk's position will be advertised for two weeks. Personnel interviews will be held and another special meeting will be held on September 15 to hire a new clerk.