May 2, 2026

May 2, 2026 Dear Gallatin Residents, It has been just over a month since I stepped into the role of Town Supervisor, following John Reilly’s 13 years of dedicated service to the Town. I’ve already learned a great deal, and I look forward to the work ahead. I would also like to thank the members of the Town Board and staff who have helped with the transition. I am especially grateful to Lisa DeLeeuw, whose guidance has been invaluable. We are fortunate to have The New Pine Plains Herald covering our board meetings. The paper recently received four New York Press Association awards, and I encourage you to subscribe to their email updates if you don’t already. Shuchi Shah is their newest reporter and is now covering Gallatin. Appointment of Jack Gomm At our April 21 meeting, the Town Board appointed Jack Gomm to fill a vacant board seat. Jack previously served as Gallatin’s Highway Superintendent for 15 years and has long been involved with the Milan Volunteer Fire Department. We selected Jack based on his long-standing service to the community—as Highway Superintendent and as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Milan Fire Department. He brings practical experience, steady judgment, and a real understanding of how things work on the ground, which is exactly what the Town needs right now. Transfer Station  The Gallatin Transfer Station is currently closed through June, and it is likely this closure will be permanent. This is a loss to our community. Beyond its practical use, many residents have shared that the transfer station was also a place to connect with neighbors—something not easily replaced in a town like ours. I experienced this firsthand while spending time there sharing Climate Smart materials; it was one of the few places where people regularly crossed paths. At its April 15 meeting, the Columbia County Public Works Committee recommended that the closure be extended indefinitely, citing operational and public health concerns related to conditions at the site. The matter remains under review. Any questions or concerns regarding the closure should be directed to the Solid Waste Department at 518-828-2737. Nearby transfer stations remain available in surrounding towns, including Copake and Livingston. Zoning Update Our re-zoning project continues to move forward. Board member Jeff Jorve recently presented a draft schedule of uses outlining which residential and commercial activities would be permitted outright and which would require a special permit. The project also includes updated overlay maps prepared by Hudsonia Ltd., which are nearing completion. Zoning discussions will continue at the next Town Board Meeting on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. Highway Department Update  We have been dealing with ongoing issues related to a beaver dam on Green Hill, which has breached twice in the past month. This has caused downstream impacts and partial washouts along Barnett Road. Mill Hill Road is scheduled to be paved this week following the completion of county bridge work. The Highway Department is also seeking to fill an open position following a recent resignation: Machine Equipment Operator (MEO) – Anyone interested should contact Todd Coons at the Gallatin Highway Department: [email protected]. Pine Plains, Germantown, and Taconic Hills School Districts Voting for all local school district budgets and Board of Education elections will take place on Tuesday, May 19. If you are unable to vote in person, early and absentee voting are available. I encourage all eligible residents to participate, as these decisions have a direct impact on our community. Pine Plains Central School District The district has adopted a proposed 2026–2027 budget of $40,778,791, which includes approximately $491,000 in program and service reductions. The proposed budget includes a 4.43% tax levy increase and exceeds the state tax cap, requiring a 60% supermajority vote for approval. Voters will consider two propositions: the school budget and the purchase of new buses. School board elections for two open seats will also take place. Voting will take place at Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School. Germantown Central School District Germantown’s proposed 2026–2027 budget totals $18,488,848. The overall tax levy increase is 6.56%. There are four candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education. Voting will take place in the Germantown Elementary School Gymnasium. Taconic Hills Central School District Taconic Hills has proposed a $43,222,236 budget, reflecting a 3.50% projected tax levy increase. The district is seeking candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education. Voting will take place at the Taconic Hills High School Veterans’ Community Room. For additional details, including poll hours, absentee/early voting and candidate information, please visit your local school district websites. (if you are unsure of your school district check here) Pine Plains CSD Germantown CSD Taconic Hills CSD Thank you for your continued involvement in Gallatin—truly our “great little town.” Sincerely, Tara Silberberg Town of Gallatin, Supervisor