JEFFERSONVILLE — The Town of Callicoon held its first board meeting of the year on Monday, January 13, completing its reorganization for the new year, which included the approval of appointments and salaries for all its employees. 

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Supervisor Tom Bose asked for a moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter, who had passed away on December 29 and the victims of the California wildfires. 

Highway Superintendent Ryan Bose gave his report on road maintenance, which included plowing and “chasing snowdrifts around.” Although snowfall has not been monumental this winter, Supervisor Bose noted that high winds have been strong and have created a multitude of snowdrifts and downed trees. Ryan Bose stated that there were two trees that were removed from the road but still needed to go through the chipper to complete the cleanup.

Code Enforcement Officer Kristoffer Scullion then described 2024 as a “busy year” for building permits that totaled 139 permits and over $100,000 in revenue to the town. Scullion said there were permits for eight new homes already in January but they had not been issued yet because they were all missing requirements. 

Supervisor Bose then stated that Scullion was working closely with Gorick Construction, of Binghamton, to complete the demolition of a house deemed unsafe due to asbestos in Callicoon Center.

Supervisor Bose set a public hearing for February 10 at 7:45 p.m. to discuss proposed Local Law number 1 of 2025, regarding property tax exemption for EMS and Fire Volunteers. 

The Supervisor voiced his opinion that this new state law was not equitable because it determined a volunteer’s tax exemption based on their property value, not the merits of their contributions. 

“We need to do something to help our volunteers; without them we don’t know what we would do,” Bose concluded.

Bose announced there will be a breakfast at the Youngsville Firehouse on February 16 from 7-11 a.m. He then urged all those interested in making charitable donations for California wildfire victims to do so through the Red Cross.

In response to a resident’s complaint about the new sand mixture being used on the roads, the Highway Superintendent and Supervisor explained that this was based on availability, among other issues. 

Bose also reminded all residents to drive slowly and courteously, especially during winter months when only an inch of snow can cause dangerous road conditions. 

Callicoon will hold its next meeting on February 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall  located at 19 Legion St., Jeffersonville.