By Mary A. Crisafulli
KORTRIGHT - Budgeting for highway trucks and addressing mail delivery issues were top discussions at the final 2025 Kortright Town Board meeting on Dec. 15.
Two community members asked the board for assistance with United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries that have been delayed. They noted that some individuals might be awaiting much-needed prescription medications. After visiting the post office, the couple reported that the staff were unable to locate their packages.
Bloomville residents have mail delivery through the Delhi USPS since the Bloomville office shut down over four years ago. The mail courier with the Bloomville route has recently retired, leaving residents without consistent deliveries.
Several other residents note similar issues, commiserating and seeking collaborative solutions in the Facebook group "Bloomville, NY news and events." One individual reports not receiving mail for nearly a week, while another calls on people to email the postal service or state representatives.
Although the board recognized the issue's significance, Supervisor George Haynes noted that it is a matter for the federal government. He did offer to author a letter to be sent to the senator and congressman.
Congressman Josh Riley offers a casework request form for issues with federal agencies. The form can be filled out by visiting riley.house.gov and clicking the "help with a federal agency" link.
In another discussion, Harry Craft, deputy highway superintendent, reported that the emergency truck is failing. He noted that the town has budgeted for a new truck to come in spring, but the crew needs to make it through winter first. Without a bay to examine, Craft said it could require a power steering pump costing more than $10,000.
While acknowledging the disappointment in spending money on a truck that will be decommissioned soon, Councilmember Michael Pietrantoni said they don’t have a choice. The truck is needed through winter, he concluded.
The board ultimately approved the truck's repair. Haynes noted that another truck will become available in fall 2026. The board could open a bond to purchase this one as well, to ensure fleet reliability, he said. The truck could then be budgeted for in 2027.
The part-time heavy equipment CDL operators' pay rate was set at $25 per hour.
Town Historian Nancy Haynes resigned from her position effective Jan. 1. The town will seek a replacement.
Pietrantoni noted an issue with a logging company operating a skidder up a town roadway and over a stream crossing. Craft will check for damage in the area.
The board entered an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
The organizational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m., with the highway garage inventory to follow immediately.
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