I went to the Rich Watts Let It Shine benefit last Saturday in Town Hall and it was a really great event. It was raining and sleeting and could not be more miserable outside- but the place was packed. Everything was so well organized between all the church members and volunteers including the Boy Scouts even though Town Hall was so crowded, it did not seem so.  It was so nice to see everybody and have a terrific breakfast, buy raffle tickets, and get soup for dinner. I did hear that Rich is doing well during his treatment and is in isolation and making progress. Congratulations and our thanks to all those who worked so hard to make the event so successful.

Like many people, it seems that NYSEG customers are having a serious problem with their billing. My bill has been fluctuating like crazy for about five months all of which I paid- then I got hit with a bill of almost $200 from the previous month. I called their billing department, spoke with three different people, and got nowhere getting information as to why my bill was suddenly so high. Then I got transferred to Customer Service who I stayed on the phone with the representative for at least forty-five minutes and no answers were given to me. Eventually after spending almost two hours either on hold or speaking with NYSEG representatives in one department or another I just gave up-well on the speaking directly to NYSEG aspect of resolving my problem. What I did since I was completely unsuccessful with NYSEG, I called the New York State Public Service Commission and filed a complaint. The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the state’s electric, gas, steam and all telecommunications and water utilities. According to the Commission representatives I spoke with they will oversee the resolution of my billing issue with NYSEG. If you want to reach the Commission, call them at 800-342-3355. Or visit dps.ny.gov/contact-us.

Speaking of keeping your money in your own pocket- the New York State Annual Tax Grievance Day is coming up with the deadline being Tuesday, May 23, in New York State. You can use  form RP-524 complaint form on real property assessment. There are several steps you will need to take to prove your case for a lower assessment so you will need time to do the necessary research and compare property values similar to yours. Complaints can be filed online at tax.ny.gov or if you get a letter mailed to you, you can sign it and just make sure you keep a copy and return it before the May 23rd deadline. There is no cost to grieve your assessment. For more information in the Town of Highland contact Lori King the Tax Assessor at 845-557-6563.

I want to send my very best wishes to Bill Worzel as he returns home after a very long stint in rehabilitation. Congratulations and we are all so happy to have you back home!