The Town of Ovid has issued a formal vote of no confidence in Highway Superintendent Jeremy Huff, citing what officials describe as repeated failures to perform core statutory duties and resulting financial and operational harm to the town.
In a resolution unanimously adopted on November 12, the Town Board outlined a series of documented issues spanning 2024 and 2025, including late or missing payroll submissions, inaccurate budget coding, failure to file state reimbursement paperwork, and lack of communication with town officials. A full copy of the resolution was released Wednesday by Town Clerk Joan Hendrix.
Town Supervisor Joseph Borst said the resolution “speaks for itself” and declined further comment.
According to the resolution, the board cited five primary areas of concern:
Late payroll and vouchers: Officials say Huff repeatedly failed to submit payroll on time, including missing a transfer station employee’s timecard, and neglected to submit monthly vouchers for July and August 2025 — leading to finance charges and late fees.
Budget mismanagement: From early 2024 through fall 2025, Huff allegedly used incorrect account codes and misallocated DA and DB highway funds despite multiple reminders from the supervisor and town clerk.
Failure to file CHIPS documentation: The board says Huff did not submit required Consolidated Highway Improvement Program paperwork in 2024 or 2025, costing the town roughly $480,000 in reimbursements — including money needed after the devastating Main Street fire.
Transfer station oversight lapses: In August, Huff was reportedly unaware that an unauthorized part-time employee had been hired and trained at the transfer station, signaling what the board describes as a lack of oversight.
Unresponsiveness: The resolution says Huff routinely failed to respond to emails, texts, and requests from town officials regarding budget, operations, and administrative issues.
The board asserts that these issues have caused significant financial losses, operational inefficiencies, and delays in critical town services, eroding its trust in Huff’s ability to execute his duties as an elected officer.
The resolution urges Huff to immediately correct the deficiencies, noting that continued failure may be evidence of knowingly refraining from performing a duty imposed by law. It also states that the town reserves the right to take further legal or administrative action, including referrals to state or county authorities or potential civil proceedings.
The vote took effect immediately upon adoption and has been filed with the town clerk. Copies have been distributed to local media and posted publicly.
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