Berne town supervisor wants Hochul to act on board appointees

BERNE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Berne remains without a fully functioning town board after three of five board members resigned in August. For the first time, NEWS10 heard from Town Supervisor Dennis Palow about the issue on Thursday.

“Our priority right now is to start getting back to the town and our residents so we can quickly start working again," said the Republican Palow.

Despite its autumn tranquility, trouble has been brewing in Berne following the resignations of Councilmembers Al Thiem, Leo Vane Jr., and Joe Martin in August. The lack of a full board hasn’t kept general services from operating. When it comes to major decisions like the budget, however, that’s where it gets complicated.

“We are a member of the association of towns. And we reached out to them. I turned in my tentative budget on time to the town clerk and because we have no board my tentative budget will pass for the 2025 budget,” says Palow. In short, in the absence of a functioning board, Berne can continue to operate off of its 2024 budget throughout 2025.

Just how does the Association of Towns of New York help them function?

“They help us out with New York state law they help us out with me municipal they help us out with everything and matters of the budget and other things that could happen in the town,” explained Palow.

Governor Hochul possesses the power to appoint replacement board members. Palow says a representative from Hochul’s office said whoever he suggests will be appointed.

“I gave him a name and it was Anita Clayton who was my previous deputy supervisor for my first two years. She is a registered Democrat" Palow explained. “They still have not appointed anyone and I don't know why" he continued.

NEWS10 contacted the Governor’s office regarding the status of appointing board replacements, we are awaiting a response