By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — The Canajoharie Town Board shot down a proposal by Montgomery County officials last Thursday evening, requesting that they accept a one-time 25 percent reduction for snow plowing, ice removal, and mowing, in the amount of, $58,240.

Annually, the county pays towns a per-mile fee to care for county roads located within each town. Despite the fact that it was a light winter, and money was saved on snow and ice removal and sanding, It was noted that during a harsh winter, more money isn’t offered for services rendered.

A motion to decline the request was supported by the board.

The town of Palatine previously declined the same county request, which was presented to each of Montgomery County’s ten towns. For the plan to go forward, it had to meet 100 percent approval. If all towns were in agreement, the cash-strapped county could’ve potentially seen a savings of $519,000.

The town also received an offer to become involved with a local effort, which has gained the support of the town of Minden, village of Fort Plain, town of St. Johnsville, and village of St. Johnsville, to take part in a waterfront revitalization program, wherein local municipalities hope to come together to create and submit to the state a well-rounded, waterfront-targeting plan that could potentially secure grant funding. The board declined the offer, with Superintendent Herbert Allen stating that he received word that the village of Canajoharie wasn’t interested in participating, so neither should the town.

The town board discussed recent municipalities that have adopted moratoriums targeting hydro-fracking. “I think our planning board should look into it,” said Supervisor Herbert Allen, referring to local efforts to adopt one year moratoriums, noting that the ever-growing effort to keep hydro-fracking at bay locally has sparked interest regarding whether the town of Canajoharie can contribute.