The Town of Highland held its annual reorganization meeting on January 6, swearing in five elected officials and approving a wide slate of organizational appointments and resolutions for 2026.

Town Supervisor John Pizzolato, Councilmen Chris Dickey, Frank Monteleone, Laura Burrell and Tom Migliorino, newly-elected Town Clerk Sonia M. Kidney, and Superintendent of Highways Joe Barnes were sworn into office by William T. Little Jr., a newly-elected New York State Supreme Court Justice.

In remarks following the ceremony, Pizzolato said the new town board reflects a “fresh start” for Highland, pointing to recent initiatives including the re-establishment of the town constabulary, the launch of a Highland Health initiative, and ongoing work on a 10-year comprehensive plan and code rewrite. He also noted that the New York State Comptroller’s Office is conducting an audit of the town’s finances.

The board voted to set regular town board meetings for the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., with work sessions to be held on the first Tuesday as needed. Members also approved the town’s 2026 salary schedule, confirmed committee assignments, designated the Sullivan County Democrat as the official town newspaper, and designated the official radio stations, and banking institutions.

Among the many appointments approved were Javid Afzali, Esq. as town attorney, Deborah Conway as town historian, and Fusco Engineering as code enforcement. The board also reaffirmed committee memberships covering public safety, health and wellness, planning, grants, and community outreach.

The meeting concluded with a brief announcement about a new monthly community gathering, “The Crowded Table,” scheduled to begin January 10 at the Senior and Community Center.