MAMAKATING — During the February 2 meeting, the Mamakating Town Board held a public hearing on the Introductory Local Law to Update Town Code Chapter 172 for Senior Citizens Tax Exemptions. Town Supervisor, Janet Lybolt, explained that the Department of Taxation and Finance allowed municipalities to increase the tax threshold for income levels in 2019. Mamakating's own senior citizens income level has not been updated since 2016, Lybolt explained.

Lybolt said she aims to increase “max[imum] income levels to further benefit senior citizens.”

The previous income level that qualified for a 50 percent tax decrease was $20,499. A resident, Eleanor Knieriemen, pointed out that the previous threshold was about $5,000 below the poverty level. She also stated that the increase “was a good idea” because many people were hit hard due to the pandemic.

The new income level for a 50 percent tax reduction is $24,000, and for every $1,000 more in income will result in a 5 percent increase from the 50 percent reduction. For example, a resident with $25,000 in income would potentially qualify for a 45 percent in their tax assessment. The top income threshold is between $32,000 to $33,000 for a 5 percent reduction in tax assessment.

Aside from this, the board discussed using the State and Municipalities Grant (SAM) that they received to make improvements on the Mamakating Environmental Education Center building. The board voted, with Councilman John Lacey opposing, to improve the detached garage along with building a deck, stairs, new doorways, replacing gutters, and putting in humidity control in the main building. Lybolt also stated that, depending on the prices of bids, more work could be done as well.

During her supervisor report, Lybolt announced that a new public comments folder will be added to the website next to the recorded Zoom town board meetings. She told residents that anyone can send comments to her by calling town hall (845-888-3000 Ext. 4) or emailing comments (supervisor@mamakating.org) to be added to the folder for all residents to have their comments heard. Lybolt explained that due to the Zoom setting of town board meetings, residents often do not get a chance to have their comments heard by the board and the public, so this will provide another opportunity.

Lybolt also said that town hall has been receiving many phone calls regarding when or where the COVID-19 vaccines are available. She stated that Sullivan County Public Health will continue to release information as it becomes available, and all updates will be added to the Community Health Page on the Mamakating website.

Residents that have specific questions can call the New York State Hotline at 1-833-697-4829. CVS Pharmacy will also have vaccines available, Lybolt said. She directed residents to call their corporate customer service number for availability or other questions as local stores cannot handle the influx of calls. Residents can call 1-800-746-7287.

During the Highway Superintendent's report, Superintendent, Rob Hufcut, told residents that the recent ice storm on February 15 was the worst ice storm he has seen in five years. He explained how proud he was of his highway crew because “a snowstorm is one thing, but ice is another.” He asked residents to thank a highway worker if they see one. He said that it takes a “special type of person” to do the job of a highway department worker because of the long hours and risk that workers face.

He also asked residents to slow down when driving. A lot of accidents are caused because “people are driving too fast,” he explained. If residents slowed down, a lot of accidents could be prevented, he said.

Hufcut also condemned residents who are stealing road signs. He stated that the town must continually spend money because people keep stealing road signs. He asked residents to keep an eye out and “if you see something, say something.” He asked residents to call 911 or the Sullivan County Sheriff if someone sees suspicious activity.