Long disputed Silo Ridge appraisals progress toward court resolution

AMENIA — A long history of litigation between Silo Ridge residents and the town is progressing toward a court resolution of disputed property assessments, as the Town Board acted on a resolution to hire a court-mandated independent assessor on behalf of the town. The action was taken at a Town Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, before the board continued annual review of the town’s preliminary 2025 budget.

A ruling from the state Supreme Court ordered both the town and Silo Ridge to obtain what the court termed “trial-ready assessments” and exchange those assessments between one another in preparation for a court decision.

By unanimous vote, the Town Board agreed to hire Michael Bernholz of Hudson Valley Appraisal Corp. to conduct the appraisals and determine a market value.

“We have been sued by members of the Silo Ridge community over the past four years, paying high legal fees. The town assessor and the attorneys have been trying to reach an agreement,” Town Supervisor Leo Blackman said. Currently, 88 cases are still active.

During discussion, councilmembers considered estimated total cost for the appraisals to run between $32,000 and $40,000. One Silo Ridge home will be selected for appraisal from each of the neighborhoods within the development.

Continued preliminary budget discussion

Review of the preliminary 2025 budget continued for the balance of the meeting.

The Recreation Department budget was amended following councilwoman Nicole Ahearn’s comment calling for elimination of the Summer Camp program for the coming year and instead hiring two part-time Recreation Supervisors. She noted that summer camp has experienced waning interest in past summers, with many local youngsters opting to attend other programs in the area.
Summarizing changes to the budget approved during the previous budget meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, Finance Director Charlie Miller reported $108,130 in increases to the budget and $60,271 in reductions, for a resulting total increase amount of $47,859, leading into this week’s meeting.

“We don’t have the volunteers we used to have,” councilmember Paul Winters said, discussing the budget implications.
“If we want recreation services, we will have to charge people to participate and the town will need to budget for that,” Winters said.
By unanimous vote, the Town Board agree to forgo raises for 2025, keeping their stipends level.

Discussion turned to Building Inspector Mike Segelken’s request for a truck to conduct town business. For several years, he has been using his personal vehicle.

“We need to invest in our community,” Winters said, favoring the truck request.

A question to be considered, Miller said, is whether the expense will have a benefit to the community; will the truck improve service to residents? The consensus was that the truck would be additive to the town.

Councilwoman Rosanna Hamm noted the importance of the health and safety of town employees.

The potential for vehicle sharing entered the discussion. Blackman suggested that if the town hires a deputy building inspector, the two positions could share the truck.

“But we have to justify the expense,” said councilman Brad Rebillard, adding that a policy for the truck’s use would need to be developed.

Once the Town Board completes its budget review process, the budget will be presented at a public hearing in November, giving residents an opportunity to offer comments.