Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montgomery County, New York public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment
Solar development on farmland
The state ruled the county's solar laws were fully complied with without ever actually analyzing them. The county is appealing to the Appellate Division for about $310 in filing fees, hoping to protect its scenic byways and cumulative impacts laws and ease the burden on towns like Canajoharie that have spent their own money fighting projects.
Solid waste tipping fee increase
Tipping fees at county transfer stations rise $4.50 per ton to $125 starting January 1, 2027, because waste haul contracts and fuel surcharges are going up. Without the increase the county could lose over $200,000 on solid waste operations.
Seneca Meadows solid waste disposal contract renewal
Montgomery County's contract for disposing of solid waste from its transfer stations expires soon, and the county is locking in a 2027 renewal at $53 per ton. Officials say they're exploring other options but need continuity for now.
MOSA leachate pipeline project
The county will lead the environmental review of a project piping landfill leachate from the MOSA Eastern Landfill to Amsterdam's wastewater treatment system.
Public electric vehicle charging stations at county buildings
Abbott Energy won an RFP to install Type 2 EV chargers at 20 Park Street, the county office building, and Venner Road — up to 14 stations and 28 ports total. Publicly accessible, credit-card operated, and due by the end of October.
Recycling source-separation local law
A new local law would require everyone to separate recyclable and reusable materials out of their solid waste. It cleared committee and heads to the full board.
Farmland Protection Revolving Fund Reworked
The farmland protection fund approved in October is being restructured: grant the $250,000 now instead of over five years, go year-to-year, and hold off until the county can fix the reassessment and tax mechanics that were supposed to replenish the fund.