WALTON - The Walton Town Council waived the one percent interest charge on late property taxes for the month of April at an abbreviated meeting held via video conference on Monday, April 13.
The unanimously passed resolution was introduced, according to Supervisor Joe Cetta, following discussion at the county level to waive the one percent penalty for taxes that are in arrears.
Cetta voted against the county level resolution, he said, “Because if we are going to give relief for the current situation it should be for the current taxes.” Regarding the late payment interest penalty, Cetta said it is prudent to offer Walton residents the relief in light of the economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council member Patty Wood asked the board to address the upstate vs. downstate hostility, which, she said, stems from fear of a potential spread of the virus. “People own houses here and they have every right to be here,” Wood said, asking that everyone follow recommended guidelines for social distancing and safety.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want down staters in the Big M and that’s not realistic,” Wood said. “They have every right to be here and we need to be aware of that as a community.”
In other business before the town:
• Upon the request of Highway Superintendent Walt Geidel, the board approved the search to fill two budget positions for roadside mowers and up to two positions for the highway flag crew.
To view meetings that are held via video conference contact waltonsupervisor@stny.rr.com to request access information. Minutes of all council meetings are posted at townofwaltonny.org.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Walton Town Council will be on May 11 at 6 p.m.
