Town Board ignores resident’s questions at public meeting

Resident Cheryl Morse addressed the Amenia Town Board during the public comment section of its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28, with two rumors she had heard which the board did not address.“I’ve had several phone calls from people wondering about an investigation that either might be being conducted or is already closed about a personnel file that was missing here at Town Hall,” she said.According to Morse the file in question belonged to Bookkeeper to the Supervisor Sherry Johnson.“I find it a little worrisome that a personnel file was missing, particularly because I understand that Dutchess County Civil Services has been looking at her employment payroll issues,” Morse said.The issue Morse referred to was $5,000 Johnson was paid for extra hours worked in 2012.The payment became an issue as Flood called it a “merit raise,” yet the increase to Johnson’s salary bumped her position into a competitive bracket instead of it being appointed, as she was.The only action taken in that situation was a letter sent to the board from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, which explained why the awarded funds were questionable.Johnson was not required to refund the $5,000.Morse was suspicious of the lost file happening after the merit raise incident.“It seems kind of weird and convenient that it would disappear at this time,” she said.Morse also questioned the board about a rumor regarding the town water.“I’ve also had some reports from people who are questioning an issue about giving the town water department over to Dutchess County to administer. I’d like to know a little bit about that, if it’s being considered,” she said.Morse ended her public comment with a plea to the board to address the rumors.“I’d like to see those issues addressed so we have a clear understanding of what’s going on. So that there’s not rumor, innuendo, untruths and gossip being spread around. So, if you could let us know something about that, it would be nice to know. Thank you,” she said.The board did not comment on Morse’s statements. Flood asked the audience if there were any more comments before moving on with regular business.