Demand for Middleburgh Highway Workers Rising

By Joshua Walther

MIDDLEBURGH - Last Thursday, the Middleburgh Town Board convened and received public comments on how to attract more highway workers.

During the past few meetings, Highway Superintendent Steve Kowalski has spoken at length about how short-staffed his crew is, leading to concerns about winter looming ahead.

One resident spoke up about the matter on Thursday, saying “We have to think about ourselves as suburban Albany instead of Middleburgh. We are retroactive and stingy when we should be competitive.”

However, the Town said that they don’t have the funds to bring the fight to competitive levels, with member Susan Makely saying “It’s not being stingy, we’re just working within our budget.”

“It’s a sticky game,” admitted Supervisor John Youmans, who went on to say that there wasn’t a clear path for the Town to take, as the entire county is facing the same growing issue.

“I see both sides of it,” said Superintendent Kowalski, citing how some private companies can bring in new drivers at a starting rate of $28 an hour. “You’re constrained by a budget, but when a bus goes off the road, the only one that people are screaming at is me.”

He also went on to say that the winter roads can be dangerous, and he doesn’t want to trust a brand-new driver with a truck only for there to be an accident or have them stranded.

“People think that all we do is sit down and stare at snowflakes for fourteen hours a day. It sounds like a stupid meaningless task, but it’s not,” concluded Superintendent Kowalski.

Supervisor Youmans suggested that the Board should revisit the issue during their next budget cycle in order to plan for increased costs more efficiently, to which the resident agreed.

“You gotta plan for the future instead of being surprised,” he finished.

In other news, Resolution 51-2025 was passed, which states that the Town supports the Joint Recreation Committee in their hunt for a grant through NY Swims to rehabilitate the local pool, as it would “enhance the quality of life for residents” through recreation and water education.

Finally, Mrs. Makely called on the Board to participate in the upcoming October 11th parade.

“It’s the Town of Middleburgh, so the Board should make an appearance,” she said, a sentiment that other members agreed with.