Regarding the goal of constructing a new Town Hall/Community Center, McAvoy reiterated his stance that a “reasonably built” structure is not excessive, especially given that there are other public buildings in Arkwright’s 36 square miles. McAvoy stated the most common feedback he has received from residents on a new Town Hall has been that if it can be purchased with the cash on hand, thanks in large part to the payments from the windmills, the town should proceed.

“People want a community, as long as it doesn’t cost too much,” McAvoy said.

McAvoy stated Arkwright has continually lowered taxes since the wind farm was constructed in Arkwright. He also noted the Town Board “clearly understands the need to use wind money for capital improvements that will keep operating costs in check.”

McAvoy took issue with the notion that Arkwright’s low population means it is less deserving of significant capital improvements, such as a new Town Hall. He called that notion “not only inaccurate, but also condescending.”

Town of Arkwright Supervisor Brian McAvoy defended his stance on the Town Hall project and small town government as a whole at a recent meeting of the Arkwright Town Board.

McAvoy also differs from the stance of a recent OBSERVER Editor’s corner stating municipalities have no obligation to provide services if they cannot afford to do so. McAvoy stated, “Yeah – maybe if anarchy is your end goal.”

He highlighted mandated services such as vital statistics, building code and zoning enforcement, access to a justice court, real property assessment and tax collection as services that must be in place, whether profitable or not.

“If those responsibilities were to shift from a completely part-time staff in Arkwright to some other entity, those costs will find their way back to the Arkwright taxpayers,” McAvoy said. “Consolidation from part-time people to full-time people at some aggregate level entails is a stepwise change in the cost per transaction and nobody works for free.”

McAvoy did offer that the full-time Highway Superintendent could be a shared resource, and if any other Towns want to have that discussion, Arkwright is open to the idea. The town’s Highway Department is responsible for maintaining nearly 40 miles of roadway, which is just shy of the county average for municipalities.

In other business at the recent meeting, a Meadowlark Road resident asked the Town for help maintaining the road. Lisa Waldron, Highway Superintendent, was empathetic to the concern, but because Meadowlark Road is an entirely private road the Town is not required to maintain the road. McAvoy did offer to have the town’s Zoning Officer investigate because zoning laws still apply even to private roadways.

The Town Board also approved bid from Congdon Brothers Construction to insulate, install new siding and new roofing on the old section of the Town Garage. The total cost of the work in the approved bid is $90,000. The work will commence contingent on reaching an agreeable contract.

“This is one example of improving a Town asset with a view to both longevity of the asset as well as lowered operating costs,” McAvoy stated.

The Town Board is also considering implementing a nuisance dog law. McAvoy suggested that it would be much better for owners to take responsibility for their dogs than for the Town to be involved, but the Town will take action, if necessary, to ensure quality of life for its residents.