The Walworth Town Board discussed several key municipal issues at its March meeting, including personnel changes, infrastructure updates, and financial approvals. The most significant moment of the meeting came when the board formally accepted the resignation of Supervisor Mike Donalty.
Donalty, who had served as supervisor for over three years, cited personal reasons for stepping down, saying he planned to return to law enforcement. Board members expressed their appreciation for his leadership, with one noting that he had been instrumental in organizing town administration and guiding Walworth through key developments. The resignation was approved in a 4-0 vote, with Donalty abstaining. He assured officials that he would remain available to assist with any transitional needs.
In other matters, the board discussed town tax collection, with officials noting that second notices had been sent, and that residents had until March 31 to pay before outstanding balances are turned over to the county. They also reviewed the findings of a Justice Court audit, which officials said reflected smooth operations.
A discussion about the expansion of the town’s sanitary sewer system raised some concerns about whether the sewer authority had been consulted. Board members decided to move forward with the authorization while agreeing to follow up with the authority separately.
The board also approved hiring Laura Elliott as a part-time account clerk at $19 per hour, effective March 10. In a separate personnel decision, the board clarified that Leah Wright, who had been mistakenly listed as a deputy town clerk, would instead be classified as a clerk due to civil service requirements.
An update was provided on ongoing union contract negotiations, with the next meeting scheduled for March 14. The board also approved the submission of a service award program report for the West Walworth Fire Department, while a similar report for the Lincoln Fire Department will be addressed in a future meeting.
Supervisor Donalty also addressed the town’s new entrance sign project along Route 441. Initially set to be installed this winter, the plan was delayed after officials determined the selected location was unsuitable. The project will now move forward later in the spring.
The board approved two farmland leases—one for property on Walworth-Penfield Road and another on Sherburne Road. While the per-acre bids were lower than the previous year, board members supported the agreements to keep the land in agricultural use.
Donalty confirmed that his final meeting as supervisor will be March 20. The board will then reconvene on April 3 and April 17.
Following the public session, officials entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters. No actions were taken after the closed-door meeting.
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