LIBERTY – The Liberty Town Board discussed a full agenda at its October 20 meeting, focusing on infrastructure, equipment and intermunicipal agreements.

The board approved a professional service agreement for engineering work related to upgrades at the Liberty Business Park. The project, which includes water and sewage infrastructure improvements, will move ahead with the design work covered up to 50 percent under the contract. 

Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo noted that Sullivan County legislators recently approved a $250,000 match to assist with the effort.

The board also authorized several bid openings scheduled for November 6, including janitorial and security services for town buildings as well as future equipment auctions for the highway department.

However, a motion to adopt the joint economic development and infrastructure capacity planning study, originally developed in collaboration with the Village of Liberty, failed to gain full support. Some board members objected after learning that the village did not contribute financially to the study’s $40,000 cost. 

Councilmember Vincent McPhillips remarked that, “if the village isn’t on board, it’s all or none” expressing that it wouldn’t be fair for the board to take on the financial aspect alone.

In other business, the board voted to approve the payment for the Growing Souls grant project, with a $34,774 voucher to be held until state reimbursement is received. Though, a few members agreed that similar arrangements should be avoided in the future to prevent such delays.

The meeting concluded with reminders for the upcoming bids, the expressed interest in the state revitalization funding through the New York Forward Program and public comments.