Middletown: General Insurance Reviewed And Renewed

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Town Board decided it was time to review options for insurance coverage before renewing a contract. They asked the current provider, Sluiter, and NYMIR to provide quotes for review, which were presented on Jan. 14.

NYMIR quoted the town at $118,196, with Sluiter coming in slightly lower at $116,444 for annual fees. Since this was a request for quotes rather than a formal bid process, the town is not required to select the lowest quote. A special meeting was scheduled for Jan. 21, where — was chosen.

Summer Programing

In another discussion, Councilmember Colleen Martin advised the board to consider funding alternative summer programming for local children. Last year, the town allocated $6,900 to the Margaretville Central School District for summer programs. Martin reported the data: the history program, four students; learn to write a college essay, one student; AP art, three students; LEGO, two students; pre-K intro, six students; and pickleball and soccer, nine students. “I am not sure our money is being spent wisely with those numbers,” said Martin. She recommended that the school fund a recreational program rather than an enrichment one.

The board will send a letter to the school requesting information on plans for the 2026 summer season.

Other Busines

The board accepted the 2025 budget amendments. Key adjustments were $20,000 in overages for health insurance costs and $7,000 for the zoning clerk's salary.

A revised ambulance services contract will be sent to Westchester Medical Center for feedback, with a request for data on call numbers and locations.

Paul Gregory resigned from the Board of Assessment Review, leaving a vacancy. Julie DiBenedetto filled another vacancy on the board for a term from Feb. 1 through Sept. 2028.

The board unanimously approved a tax exemption for the property owned by Margaretville Village, where a new water tank will be installed.

Remaining mortgage costs, estimated at around $3,000, were forgiven for a Community Block Grant recipient now experiencing medical issues, prompting the need to sell the home.

The contract between the town and the County for consultation services for the planning committee was renewed at an annual cost of $3,500.

Sargent Robert Walsh requested that the town adopt a newly developed 100% tax exemption for fully disabled service-connected veterans. Supervisor Falkner will seek counsel from the Association of Towns on the matter.

A public input session with the Comprehensive Plan Committee is scheduled for Feb. 12th at Union Grove.

The town received three applications for the open code enforcement officer position. Interviews are being scheduled.

The next regularly scheduled town board meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m., with a workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m.