SEE BELOW FOR MESSAGES FROM TOWN AGENCIES

- Supervisor

- Town Clerk

- Tax Collector

- Assessor

- Building Code Enforcement

- Justice Court

- Constables

- Museum & Cultural Series

- Fire Department & Auxiliary

- Environmental Council

- Planning & Zoning

- Town Bulletin Board

Nicole bury, Who is the town bookkeeper and confidential secretary to the town supervisor, is leaving us on December 21, 2009. we here at the municipal building would like to extend to her our profound best wishes and gratitude for an outstanding job she has done for the town of Lumberland and her co-workers. her pleasant disposition, smiley face and can do attitude will be greatly missed by all.

GOOD LUCK NICOLE!!!

The Office of the Supervisor is open from 10:00am - 3:00pm Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00am - 3:00pm Wednesday-Friday or by appointment

Contact the Supervisor's Office at 845-856-8600 ext 221, Fax: 845-856-7118

To all Lumberland residents:

Farewell!

I would like to thank you for your support and confidence these last ten years.  During this time, we have accomplished a lot.  We went from a negative fund balance (operating in the red) to a $500 thousand reserve fund between the Highway and General Fund balance (operating in the black).  Our police, highway and agencies equipment are all five years old or newer. 

We also have a new Highway barn with an extra-large salt shed that allows us to buy salt and store it for the winter.  This initiative will save us $30 thousand a year, by buying salt at a lower rate.  The old Highway Department complex is rented to the school district for their buses with a multi-year contract for a rent of $87 thousand a year and up. 

In the last ten years, we went from a below-par pay scale for the police, highway and office workers to an average pay scale compatible with all of the towns in Sullivan County.  This allows us, when we need workers, to receive applications for town jobs by quality people to do the best job for us in the community. 

The question we need to ask ourselves is "Is the Town better off today than it was ten years ago?"  I know that the answer is "Yes!"  I leave you knowing that I have made a positive difference for all of us that live in the Town of Lumberland.  I would like all of you to know that no one does the Supervisor's job for monetary gain.  I have worked as your Supervisor to make a difference for all of the residents of our Town. 

The next Supervisor that takes over this office will be left a well-equipped and well-financed town that operates in the black with two reserve funds for emergencies that will stabilize the tax base for the Town of Lumberland.  

One final item that you should know is that for the past three years, the Lumberland tax portion of your tax bill has gone down per $1,000.  

I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity these last ten years to serve you and the Town.  I care about every single one of our residents and I feel good about making a difference in your lives as well as my life as a resident in Lumberland.  

Sincerely, 

John LiGreci

ELECTION RESULTS 2009

NOW THAT OUR 2009 ELECTIONS ARE

BEHIND US THE 2010 TOWN OFFICIALS

WILL BE:

SUPERVISOR - NADIA RAJSZ

COUNCILMAN- JOSEPH CARR

COUNCILMAN JAY SHAFER

COUNCILMAN -JAMES AKT

COUNCILMAN WILLIAM J. MCKERRELL

TOWN CLERK - VIRGINIA HORN

TAX COLLECTOR - PHYLLIS KNAPP

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT- CHARLES HALLOCK

TOWN JUSTICE - WILLIAM MCKERRELL

TOWN JUSTICE - CHARLES FALLON

      Newly Elected

 Re-elected

Not up for election

======================================

Because the Town Clerk is the Registrar for the Town we thought that the following information would be of interest to our citizens.  The following information is how to protect a loved one’s identity.

When a loved one passes away, it is natural to delay dealing with notification and other administrative matters. However, delay increases the risk that your loved one could become a victim of identity theft as fraudulent credit card accounts are opened and purchases made in his/ her name. Subsequently, creditors threaten the estate.

While it is unlikely that you or the estate would be held liable for these fraudulent activities, you would be forced to invest substantial time and expense to restore your deceased loved one’s reputation. You can avoid this problem by acting promptly and following the seven (7) steps on this card.

1. Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately by telephone: While the funeral home will file a statement of death with the SSA, it is important that you also call to give immediate notice and answer any questions the SSA may have. The nationwide toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213, and for the hearing-impaired it is 1-800-325-0778.

2. Carefully prepare the obituary: Special care should be exercised to avoid mentioning the kinds of things that may assist identity thieves in stealing your family member’s identity. Information such as your loved one’s date of birth and street address can be used to research additional personal information and to open new bank and credit accounts. Thieves to identify a vacant home address for possible robbery can use other information such as the time and place of the memorial service.

3. Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate with and without the cause of death: Order at least ten (10) copies of the official death certificate for your communications with various companies. You will need certified copies for each of the three (3) credit reporting agencies and any financial institutions at which your loved one had an account. You will also require certified copies for life insurance, pension accounts, real property, automobile ownership and veterans’ benefits.

4. Send a written notice to all financial institutions where the deceased had an account instructing them to close all individual accounts and remove the deceased’s name from joint accounts: As soon as you receive the certified copies of the death certificate, send a letter and a certified copy to each of the financial institutions at which the deceased had an account including all banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies, investment firms and loan companies to inform them of your loved one’s death, to resolve all outstanding debts and to close or change ownership of accounts. To make these requests, you will need to show that you are the spouse of the deceased or the executor of the estate.

5. Send a written notice to the credit reporting agencies: As soon as you receive the certified copies of the death certificate, send a letter and a certified copy to each of the three (3) major credit reporting agencies - - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion - - requesting a credit report on your loved one and that a “Deceased Alert” be placed in their file. Key Steps to Protecting a Deceased Loved One’s Identity Even after the death of a loved one, there are criminals who would rob the deceased of the dignity of his/her good name for financial and/or personal gain. It’s not uncommon for a scammer to pose as the deceased to avoid their legal financial obligation or problems. Identity thieves often look for personal details in the obituaries, steal death certificates, and get the information from websites that offer the Social Security Index file to enable them to commit fraud. It is hard to believe, but in some cases, the identity thief may even be a family member.

6. Limit information access to family members: Some cases of identity theft can be tied back to a family member with a grudge. To avoid this problem, centralize access to the deceased’s personal information with a single person who may share with other family members only on a need-to-know basis. This strategy will maintain the confidentiality of the information.

7. Report all evidence of identity theft immediately: Report all evidence that the deceased has been a victim of identity theft directly to the police in the deceased’s jurisdiction, and be sure to file a police report. You must also notify each of the three (3) major credit reporting agencies.

For more information about identity theft prevention and mitigation please visit our website at www.nysconsumer.gov or call the Consumer Protections Board’s toll free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-697-1220. New York State Consumer Protection Board www.nysconsumer.gov 1-800-697-1220 5 Empire State Plaza Suite 2101 Albany, New York 12223 David A. Paterson Governor Mindy A. Bockstein Chairperson and Executive Director Protecting the Name of a Deceased Loved One A Product of the NYS Consumer Protection Board’s Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program

Code Enforcement Office is open from 8:00am - 2:00pm Monday-Thursday

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 845-856-8600 ext 1, Fax: 845-856-6080

The Assessor's Office is open from 9:00am - 3:00pm Monday-Friday

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 845-856-8600 ext 224, Fax: 845-856-6080

ATTENTION SENIORS

Exemption Renewals will be mailed this month

They are due by March 1st!!

 Each form will be accompanied by income requirements - please read the instructions carefully!

 You will need to fill out the form completely front and back; all owners must sign the form!!

Attach your Federal Income Tax Return from the appropriate year as will be specified on the form or letter

IF YOU DO NOT FILE an income tax return, you must submit ALL income statements from the appropriate year as will be specified on the form or letter (W-2's, Soc Sec 1099, Supplemental Income, Year-End Bank Interest statements, Pensions, Etc.)

New Applicants

If you are 65, or will be in 2010, with total 2008 income of all owners $74,700 or less, You may qualify for the Enhanced Star Exemption. This must be your primary residence and the application must be received by March 1st.

For Applications or Inquiries

845-856-8600 ext 2

Mon - Fri 9am to 3pm

1054 Proctor Rd, Glen Spey, NY

LEGAL NOTICE

TAX COLLECTOR’S NOTICE

TOWN OF LUMBERLAND

        Notice is hereby given that I have received the Tax Roll and Warrant for collection of Taxes in the Town of Lumberland, Sullivan County, New York, for the year 2010 and have fixed the following schedule for receiving tax.

2010 Collection Hours at the Thomas Hill Municipal Building adjacent to the Town Hall

JANUARY:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (CLOSED Wednesdays) Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY:

Saturday February 6, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ONLY)

FEBRUARY 8 thru MARCH 31:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CLOSED Wednesdays & Saturdays)

STARTING APRIL 1^st ALL PROPERTY TAX TRANSACTIONS WILL BE HANDLED AT THE:

 SULLIVAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

THE SULLIVAN COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE

100 NORTH STREET, MONTICELLO, N.Y. 12701

PHONE (845) 807-0200

OTHER HOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

 SCHEDULE OF FEES

January                        Par

February                        1%

March              2%      

        Please bring your tax bill when making payment. You may also make payment by sending your bill to the address listed below. Please write your Section, Block and Lot Number (S.B.L.) on your check (i.e. 14-1-92)

            An additional penalty of $2.00 will be added to your bill, if you have not paid your taxes by the time the Tax Collector begins sending unpaid notices on or after 3/05/10, as required by State Law.

            If you no longer own this property, please return bill to collector with the new owner’s name and address or forward bill to the rightful owner.

            Unpaid taxes returned to Treasurer’s Office will attach a 5% penalty plus interest compounded to date of payment. Call for correct interest rate at (845) 807-0200.

Phyllis Knapp, Tax Collector

TOWN OF LUMBERLAND

P.O. Box 3

Glen Spey, N.Y. 12737

(845) 853-8600 ext. 213

The Court Clerk is available in her office, at the Town Municipal Building, on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Court is held on Tuesday Evenings at 7:00pm

SEASONS GREETINGS;

December is once again upon us as we await the New Year. We, at the Lumberland Constabulary, appreciate your continued support as we enter 2010.

In this issue I would like to welcome aboard our two newest Constables, Ernie Moeller and John Skoufis. They come with extensive law enforcement experience, which will greatly enhance the law enforcement capabilities of your Constabulary. Ernie is a retired sergeant from the New York City Police Department and John is a Police Officer from the Town of Mount Hope. Welcome aboard!

In this bulletin I would again like to talk about identity theft and prevention. As you may have heard, identity theft is a huge problem that shows no signs of abating. People that have been exposed to the fraud of identity theft by these perpetrators not only become damaged financially but it can take an emotional toll as well. This is because it sometimes takes years to clear your name with institutions such as banks and credit reporting agencies. In the worst cases you might have to hire an attorney due to civil actions not of your own doing. What can we as the residents of the Town of Lumberland do to minimize a possible breach of your personal identity? Here are some ideas from the Federal Trade Commission I located worth looking into: 

* Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before discarding.

* Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry it in your wallet/purse. Don't give out to others unless absolutely necessary.

* Don't give out personal information on the phone or Internet unless you are absolutely sure whom you are dealing with. 

* Make it a habit not to click on links sent in unsolicited emails.  Use firewalls, anti-spy ware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer from possible attacks. 

* Never use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. 

* Keep your personal documents in a secure place especially if you have a roommate(s), house cleaning services etc. 

* If you should receive a check in the mail from an unknown entity do not cash, as it is more than likely a check-kiting scheme. Simply destroy it. This scam whereas your cashing of their check instills confidence in you (the victim). The scammer will then want you to send money, as you will believe that a large reward (check) will be sent to you. DON'T DO IT! 

    Be aware that a determined criminal can breach even these deterrents. Common sense in conjunction with these ideas can lessen your exposure to identity theft. Your Constabulary is here to help with any other questions you may have. We are at your service if a creditor requests a report for an identity theft incident.

LUMBERLAND FIRE DEPT. AUXILIARY

From the Fire Dept Auxiliary...

Last month we helped the Fire Dept with their Open House

The Auxiliary donated and served the hotdogs, while the Scouts provided LOTS of desserts and LOTS of energetic little helpers! 

For those of you who missed it....

The extrication drill was very impressive and informative.  The firefighters later demonstrated other tools and equipment, the EMT’s were taking blood pressures, the kids were busy checking out the fire trucks and doing crafts.

There were free smoke detectors, prizes, and give-away

Everyone had a good time.

Interested in becoming a member??

Volunteers are ALWAYS needed for events, fund-raisers, and helping to support our fire fighters whenever needed.

Come join us

***Only one meeting per month***

Call 858-8251 or email lfdaux@yahoo.com

Need a gift for the holidays??

Reserve your copy of our Cookbook - Only $12.00 !

150 recipes from friends and neighbors of our community

** Gift Certificates available if shipment is not rec’d in time - indicate # below

*************************************************

LFD Auxiliary Cookbook

          Name__________________________                _____ Total # Bks Sold

         Address_________________________                  ($12.00 ea)

 _________________________                     $_____   check amt.

   Telephone # _________________________             

     ** I will need ______ Gift Certificates if the Cookbooks do not arrive by Dec ____.

(Mail to: LFD Auxiliary, c/o Judi Flieger, 1117 CR 31, Glen Spey, NY 12737)

*************************************************

YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

The Lumberland Environmental Council Meets at 7:00pm on the Last Thursday of every month.

The Museum is open

Contact the Historian at 845-856-8600 ext 222, Fax: 845-856-6080

The Planning Board Meets on the First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm, with a work session held on the Second Tuesday of each month, also at 7:30pm

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds it's monthly meeting at 7:30pm on the Third Tuesday of each month

The minutes from these meetings are posted here.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Boards at 845-856-8600 ext 424, Fax: 845-856-6080

For other current announcements, see Town Bulletin Board