Happy New Year!

The goal of this newsletter is to share a bit of local news and put a spotlight on the interesting things that are happening  in Hillsdale and the Roe Jan community. A few highlights below.

PREPAYING 2018 PROPERTY TAXES
Last week, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order  paving the way for residents to prepay their property taxes. Designed to circumvent the tax bill recently signed into law by President Trump,  municipalities are now scrambling to accommodate homeowners who want to prepay their 2018 property taxes before related deductions disappear in 2018.

To participate in prepay, 2018 tax bill payments must have a 2017 postmark or be hand-delivered to the Town Hall before December 31. Drop your envelope in the slot or visit the Tax Collector during the following office hours:
  • December 29, Friday 6-8 pm
  • December 30, Saturday 1-3 pm
To receive your tax bill, visit this page or email Joe Hanselman, Hillsdale Tax Collector, at  [email protected] or call 518-325-5537 (evenings preferred after 6 pm).
 
Make checks payable to Joe Hanselman, Jr., Hillsdale Tax Collector. Please PRINT a copy of your tax bill and bring it with you when you pay in person, or mail it with your check.
 
NOTE: 2018-2019 school taxes cannot be paid early in 2017.

If you do not participate in prepay, bills will be mailed soon in January 2018.


NYT on Prepaying Property Taxes
COLUMBIA COUNTY'S FIRST CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY
Hillsdale has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing the Town's leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally.

Iy is the first municipality in Columbia County to be named a Clean Energy Community.

Hillsdale received the designation by completing 4  of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative, including:
  • Benchmarking - Tracking of the Town's energy usage
  • Unified Solar Permit - Streamlining the Town's approvals for residential solar
  • Clean Fleets - Installation of an electric vehicle charging station at Town Hall (see photo)
  • Energy Code Enforcement Training - Training for compliance officer in energy code best practices.
With the award of the designation, Hillsdale can  apply for up to $80,000 to support additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share and the option of receiving up to 25 percent paid in advance to support such projects.

"The steps we have taken and will be taking as a Climate Smart Community will help residents and the Town to save money by reducing energy consumption," said Peter Cipkowski, Hillsdale Town Supervisor. "The Town will be then able to allocate those savings to address challenges and opportunities going forward," he said. "It's the right thing to do economically and for the environment."

Announced by Governor Cuomo in August of 2016, the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the State to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. Clean Energy Communities advances the Governor's Reforming the Energy (REV) strategy by demonstrating the importance of communities in helping New York reach its Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state's electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.

Hats off to Tom Carty and the members of the Climate Smart Committee for working so hard to make this happen!


ROADWORK ON ROUTE 22
Roadwork is expected to start Tuesday, January 2, on Route 22 between Schutts Road and Mitchell Street. Traffic is expected to be restricted to one lane and will be controlled by a traffic signal. Weather permitting, work will wrap up before Monday, February 26.

Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the work zone area and pay particular attention to all traffic control devices, including signs and flaggers.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.
FAREWELL JAN
We are still in shock and saddened by the loss of Jan Keefner who left us on December 10.

Jan has been the heart of Town Hall for more 30 years and was Hillsdale's Court Clerk for almost as many. Her tireless and cheerful service meant the world to us. She worked the longest hours, greeted every visitor, answered tough questions, oversaw day-to-day activities, and was always willing to help.

In recent months, we admired how Jan faced her struggle like an Olympian athlete. Her example taught us a good deal about courage, endurance, and the things that matter most. 

Jan will be greatly missed and our hearts and prayers go out to her wonderful family.  Please s ign the guest book and read more about Jan here .
Thanks for reading this newsletter. If you want to promote your upcoming event on the calendar, I'd love to hear from you.
 
Peter Cipkowski, Town Supervisor and Town Crier
The Town of Hillsdale