Claverack taxpayers will see their third straight year of tax cuts in 2020 under the watchful eye and conservative budgeting practices of Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt, Deputy Town Supervisor Steve Hook and fiscally conservative members of the Claverack Town Board.
The 2020 budget contains a tax decrease of 1.9%, the largest tax cut for Claverack taxpayers in recent history, and is more than $58,000 under the New York State Tax Cap. The budget contains $2.7-million in spending. While the budget includes significant cost savings to Claverack taxpayers, it also includes several upgrades and increases to meaningful town programs and services. The budget includes a 2% raise to payroll and increases in the minimum wage. It also contains funding for assessment re-evaluation with the County, includes funding for additional park maintenance and repair costs and increases spending on senior programs. “We’re focused on doing more with less,” said Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. “It’s not an easy job cutting the budget, but our taxpayers are at their limit. They need relief. We’ve done the hard work they elected us to do and we’re doing it without cutting services.” The Town of Claverack has been able to control expenses through increased efficiencies, including consolidation of town positions and job duties, sharing services with other municipalities and creating a long term capital spending plan. At the same time, the town has made improvements and upgrades to infrastructure, town parks and highway equipment.
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Our first significant winter storm of the year is expected to impact Claverack Sunday and Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire area through Monday evening. Snow is expected to begin late morning/mid-day on Sunday. We'll likely see snow taper off for a time Sunday night, then pick back up again on Monday. Travel will be difficult Sunday evening, and during the Monday morning commute. Please plan your travel accordingly. The holidays are coming and our local small businesses here in Claverack and beyond are counting on our support. Shopping local helps to support our local economy. Our local small business owners donate more to local non-profits and community organizations than the big retailers. Supporting local businesses helps the entire community! This Christmas, make an effort to shop local.. Need a gift certificate for a great meal and night out... how about High Falls Pizzeria & Tap House in Philmont? How about an updated family portrait by Photo-Art by Ken Bovat? Need some light catering for a meal or holiday party... how about Mcnan's Variety Foods in Philmont (they're great!)? Looking for a great gift for the gardener in your family? Visit AgwayNY in the hamlet. Planning an evening out with a group? Let Michael S Johnston LLC's party bus transport you in style. Choose Claverack Package Store / Wine and Spirits or Olde York Farm: Distillery & Cooperage for that perfect bottle of cheer! Engraved gifts available from Next Gen Signs Inc and beautiful pieces of custom made furniture from KyTa Custom Furniture. Let Ginsberg's Foods help with delicious food for your holiday get together. This is just a sampling of the small businesses out there. There's lots here in Claverack and beyond. SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON! Claverack property owners wishing to pay their 2018 taxes early, pursuant to NYS Executive Order 172, may do so in person at the Town Office on Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or by mail – postmarked no later than December 31, 2017.
For additional information, contact the Town Office at 518-672-7911, Ext 100. To view/download your 2018 tax bill, visit the town website: www.townofclaverack.com CLAVERACK CONTINUES TO FIND EFFICIENCY IN CONSOLIDATION
We continue to consolidate and streamline town operations, the latest being in the town's Building Department. In the past, Claverack – like many other towns, has maintained separate Building Inspector and town Code Enforcement Officer positions. This year however, recognizing the opportunity to improve efficiency and bring down costs, we've consolidated those two positions into one single position, and named James "Jay" Trapp to the new Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer position. The consolidation will save approximately 30 hours per week in salary costs. Read More. LINDA LAVIN OF 'ALICE' AND ACTOR-HUSBAND TO OPEN RESTAURANT IN CLAVERACK In the 1970s and 1980s, actress Linda Lavin played a diner waitress in the popular sitcom “Alice.” Today, she plans to open a restaurant in Claverack with her husband. Read More. CLAVERACK REPUBLICANS PLAN ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT The Claverack Republican Club will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15 at the Claverack Town Park, off Church Street, Mellenville. The grounds will open at 10 a.m. with the hunts getting underway at 11 a.m., rain, snow or sun. Admission is free. Read More. BROADBAND UPDATE - MAPS RELEASED We continue to stay engaged in the effort to expand and improve broadband coverage, and to keep you informed on the progress being made. Recently, the County Broadband Committee posted coverage maps for each municipality in the county. For all the latest information related to broadband, including the new maps for Claverack, click here. ATTENTION CLAVERACK VETERANS - SPORTSMEN'S CLUB PLANS APPRECIATION EVENT In appreciation for their service, Veterans are invited to attend a fun filled day at the range for no charge. Read More. CLAVERACK – The Town of Claverack continues to consolidate and streamline town operations under the leadership of Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. The latest example being in the town’s building department.
In the past, Claverack – like many other towns, has maintained separate Building Inspector and town Code Enforcement Officer positions. This year however, recognizing the opportunity to improve efficiency and bring down costs, Claverack has consolidated those two positions into one single position. The consolidation will save approximately 30 hours per week in salary costs. After an exhaustive search and interview process, James “Jay” Trapp, an engineer and New York State certified building inspector from Red Hook, was appointed to the new position. Trapp serves in similar roles for the towns of Livingston and Germantown and is well known for his vast experience in New York State building code compliance. “We were looking for an experienced person who would not only apply the law firmly and fairly, but also have the people-skills to work with residents and businesses to make their experience as positive as possible,” said Deputy Town Supervisor Stephen Hook, who serves as liaison to the building department. “Jay Trapp fits that mold perfectly,” Hook added. In addition to his duties as town Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Trapp will also provide annual training to town Planning Board and Zoning Board members. This training, required by the state, helps ensure board members are well versed in applicable law and procedure and properly trained to serve the planning needs of town residents. Those wishing to reach the Town of Claverack Building Department may do so by calling 518-672-7911 Ext. 108, or emailing ceo@townofclaverack.com. It is with profound sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of our friend James Van Deusen. Jim passed away yesterday, March 15, 2017, following a brief illness. Jim was well known throughout Columbia County and faithfully served his community in many roles. He was a longtime Claverack Town Councilman and Deputy Town Supervisor. He was Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners and past Chief of the Claverack Fire District (A.B. Shaw Fire Company), past Columbia County Fire Coordinator, and an avid member of the Claverack Republican Club and the Columbia Car Cruisers. But despite his many titles, Jim was perhaps best known simply as a good friend, devoted family man, and caring neighbor. He and his wife Wanda opened their hearts and home to everyone and anyone. They loved their family, their friends, and their town – and Claverack loved them. We offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Jim’s daughters Jodi and Karen, his grandchildren and extended family, his many friends, and of course his fellow firefighters who all grieve his passing. We thank you Jim for your service. We will miss you, friend. CLAVERACK WEATHER UPDATE -- BLIZZARD WARNING ISSUED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY
The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for Columbia County, effective through Tuesday night. Snow is expected to begin early Tuesday morning, tapering off to snow showers during the day on Wednesday. We are expecting 18” to 24” of snow here in Claverack. Very gusty winds will result in white-out conditions. The worst conditions are expected noon to 7:00 pm on Tuesday. During this time, travel is discouraged. It is recommended that you make arrangements to be home, or at the very least off the roads, during this time. Our Town Highway Department is as prepared as possible and will be out doing their best to keep roads open. Winds may cause scattered power outages. Any outage that occurs may be for an extended period, as crews may not be able to access affected areas. Please plan ahead and be prepared. Should a power outage occur, contact your power company direct (National Grid: 800-867-5222, NYSEG: 800-572-1131). Do not dial 911 to report power outages, unless you have an emergency. We will monitor conditions tomorrow and issue additional updates as needed. |
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