The River Reporter, November 7, 1996

Monticello promotes highway superintendent

By TOM RUE
MONTICELLO - Steve Kozachuk, Sr. met the Monticello village board for his first time as highway superintendent at a November 4 board meeting. Kozachuk, 48, of Forestburgh, has worked for the village since February 1978; and was previously a foreman for the Town of Forestburgh since 1966.

Earning $40,000 per year, Kozachuk takes the place of George Panchyshyn, who dropped the title of Director of Public Works to become interim village manager last July. Panchyshyn, 56, has announced plans to retire next year. He stated Kozachuk began a 60-day probationary period in the new job on October 28.

Kozachuk said he supervises a crew of nine. The department spent $782,582 last year, Panchyshyn said, maintaining 38 miles of road and public property in the 1.5 square mile village. The village's general budget is $7,974,562, according to treasurer Robin Seward.

"What we're here for is services. That's what you're paying taxes for," said Panchyshyn, who noted that public employees deserve more recognition than they often get. Panchyshyn said Kozachuk "has a great deal of expertise in managing records, budgets, accounts and that sort of thing," in addition to hands-on labor.

The board also heard a report by sanitation superintendent Bill Bertholf regarding recycling efforts. Panchyshyn joined Bertholf in urging the public to cooperate by properly sorting recyclables.

In executive session, the board approved installment plans -- ranging from $100 to $3000 per month -- for eight delinquent taxpayers, including: Annie O'Shea's Restaurant (William Croissant), Claudia Chandler, Yvonne Gordon, Harriett Kaufman, Stanley Levinson (father of trustee Michael Levinson, who abstained), Kim Magnetico, Peter Shala, and Wholesale Liquidators (Eugene Diamond and Barry Berman), according to Panchyshyn.

In other business, the village board:

  • Authorized renewal of an annual agreement by which the Monticello fire department will receive $202,277 from each the village and Town of Thompson for 1995-96;

  • Approved payment of $495, to be split among four philanthropic organizations, for posting flags on Veteran's Day;

  • Was advised by village attorney Michael Davidoff that the board lacks authority to waive penalties and fees for overdue taxes, unless done uniformly for all taxpayers;

  • Tabled until next budget year a decision about installing lights on Dollard and Cook drives;

  • Responded to an inquiry from resident Alvin Dumas about procedures involved in applying to become a fire policeman.

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