By DEBORAH BUCK

For the C-S-E

FLAT CREEK — At the December 12 Root Town Council meeting, the group accepted a pay increase for town highway department employees at 15 cents per hour over the next three years, beginning in 2013, concluding in 2015.

Town Supervisor John Thayer, Councilmember LuEmma Quack-enbush, and councilmembers Gary Kamp and John VanKersen all voted “yes” to the resolution, while Councilmember Evelyn Lindley rejected it.

Code Enforcement Officer Cliff Dorrough reported that he is now re-certified, after completing all of his required training, and thanked the town board for their patience.    

Assessor Bob Harris reported that New York State, if not notified by 11/1/12, would use last year’s total taxable value for the town’s valuation. Harris advised the state prior to 11/1 that he opted to use their current working file, which he emphasized is more accurate.

Harris also pointed out, using the state’s current working file, he’d be provided access to utility advisory appraisals, which is a “big plus for the town”, as Harris described it. The state utility unit supplies numbers on taxable utilities, such as National Grid, using current values.

Harris stated that all exemption renewal forms (for the STAR program, etc.) had been mailed to town property owners. Following Harris’ report, Supervisor Thayer commented that Root is one of the few towns in Montgomery County that has not had a decline in valuation; the town has been able to maintain a fairly steady rate.   

There was also discussion about completing payment for the town’s new plow truck. Supervisor Thayer reported that $9,500 in funds had carried over from the highway department accounts from the 2011 to the 2012 budget.

Payment for the plow truck was approved by the council, using $17,000 in funds from the fund balance and $45,000 from the machinery equipment line for a total of $62,050 to be covered from the 2012 budget.

If any additional funds are required, they will also be taken from the town’s fund balance.