Conesville's Federice Again County Board Chair

Bill Federice (right) was selected Chairman, and Donald Airey Vice-Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors at the Jan. 2 organizational meeting. Photo: Chris English.

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Bill Federice of Conesville is Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors for the seventh straight year.

He was named to the position again at the Friday, Jan. 2 BOS organizational meeting. Donald Airey of Blenheim was named Vice-Chairman as both men got near unanimous approval in the roll call votes.

Federice and Airey were grateful to their fellow board members for the appointments.

"There are a number of things we are working on that will take a lot of attention and effort," Federice said, citing in particular the ongoing $33.6 million broadband project that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

"We have to keep our eyes on that," he continued. "I look forward to working with everyone."

The county is in a financially challenging time, with the 8.17 percent property tax increase approved for this year one of the largest hikes in recent memory.

"I echo Bill's comments and look forward to serving with the new members of the board," Airey said. "Thank you for your support and confidence in me. I'm really glad we have (County Administrator) Bryan Best. I think he's doing a great job."

Three new BOS members _ William M. Smith III of Broome, Mark Fletcher of Seward and Roger Gural of Summit _ officially took their seats at the Jan. 2 meeting, where the board approved 22 separate resolutions.

Judith A. Beeler of the Town of Middleburgh was appointed to the positions of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Auditor and County Purchasing Agent at a combined total annual salary of $73,822. The Mountain Eagle and Times Journal were designated as official newspapers for the publication of all local laws, notices and other matters required by law to be published, other than election notices, official canvasses and concurrent resolutions of the Legislature.

Michael A. West of Schoharie was again appointed County Attorney at an annual salary of $65,029. The position of Assistant County Attorney was continued, to be appointed by the County Attorney and serve at his pleasure, at an annual salary of $63,244.

County Administrator Bryan Best was appointed Budget Officer at no additional salary over and above his administrator salary of $150,000. Theodore B. Shuart was appointed County Historian at an annual salary of $6,382.

Amy Florence was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc. for a term to expire at the end of the year. County Supervisor Earl VanWormer III of Esperance was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Maple Festival Inc. for a term to expire at the end of the year.

County Supervisor Alicia Terry of Gilboa was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation District for a term to expire at the end of the year. Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun of Richmondville was appointed to the County Jury Board and to the County Law Library, with both terms expiring at the end of the year.

County Probation Director Richard Cain was appointed as STOP DWI Coordinator for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027, or the term of his position as Probation Director. Florence was appointed as a member of the Human Services Coordinating Council to represent the Schoharie County BOS for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027.

County Supervisor Philip R. Skowfoe Jr. of Fulton was appointed to the Schoharie County Community Services Board for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027.