Glenville may eliminate office of tax receiver to cut costs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

Glenville officials are proceeding with their idea to eliminate the elected receiver of taxes position and contract with a bank to help with tax collection.

The Glenville Town Board reached a consensus in discussion at its work session last week to begin the process, which will start with introduction of a local law at its meeting 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The town was prompted to make the change after longtime Receiver of Taxes Joan Menhinick abruptly retired last month in a dispute over her budget being cut. Pat Aragosa, former Rotterdam comptroller, was hired to fill in for the time being to get the town through the January tax collection.

However, the long-term plan is for the town to solicit a bank to help collect the taxes, while perhaps keeping a part-time position that could assist in other offices at Town Hall.

Deputy Supervisor Alan Boulant said he believes that it is a logical move.

“There’s many, many municipalities out there that have banks do the taxes,” he said. “I think it’s much more convenient for the customer — better hours, more convenient ways to pay.”

In addition, Boulant said the town saves money by eliminating a salaried position with benefits.

Supervisor Chris Koetzle said Aragosa has been doing a great job filling in. Koetzle likes the idea of having the flexibility of a part-time position. “The clerk may be needing this person at certain times when the receiver’s office isn’t as busy,” he said.

Also, a bank would be able to offer Saturday hours, drive-up service, ATM and other functions. “It’s a service enhancement at lower cost. It’s a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

After the law is introduced, the next step is a public hearing at the following meeting when the board could set a date for a public referendum.

The referendum could be held no sooner than 60 days after the law is passed, according to Town Attorney Michael Cuevas. The beginning of April would be the earliest it could take place.