WE WANT YOUR INPUT: HIGHWAY SUPT. POSITION PROPOSED CHANGE FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED

The Town of Binghamton Town Board is considering a change to how the Highway Superintendent position if filled.  Currently, this role is elected by the residents.  We are exploring the possibility of transitioning it to an appointed position to enhance efficiency and ensure consistent qualifications.

If you’re a Town of Binghamton resident, your input matters on this important decision.  Please share your thoughts and feedback wih us by emailing the Town Supervisor at supervisor@townofbinghamton.com or send a message through the “Contact Us” page on this website (top right).

Below you will find a few points of discussion that the Town Board has compiled.  Your input will help guide the decision-making process, and we greatly value your perspective.  Thank you for being an active and engaged member of our community!

DISCUSSION POINTS FOR CHANGING THE HIGHWAY SUPT. POSITION FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED:

• The Highway Superintendent is responsible for more than half of the Town’s $4.6 million budget.  With that kind of responsibility, the Superintendent should be considered a professional position with a minimum level of qualifications.
• The Town’s residents were never given the right to vote on this matter.  The State of New York adopted this law through legislation which did not allow the voters to vote on it.  In the State of New York, Counties, Cities, and Villages have appointed Highway Superintendents.
• We would be able to draw from a larger pool of qualified candidates.
• We would be able to provide a list of qualifications that is required to be appointed to the position. Currently as an elected official, the only qualifications are:  one must be a resident of the Town of Binghamton and a registered voter.
• The applicant would be required to go through an interviewing process.
• The Town Board believes that the Highway Superintendent’s position should be appointed, much like the Code Enforcement Officer, Town Assessor, Bookkeeper, and Water/Sewer Foreman.