Municipal clerks from across state Sen. Pam Helming's 54th District told environmental officials that hunting-license systems and state policies are creating wait times for residents and more work for local offices at a roundtable in Victor.
The discussion took place at Helming's third annual Municipal Clerks Roundtable at Victor Town Hall, according to a Sept. 28 release from her office forwarded to the newsroom. The gathering also covered environmental reviews, local-government grants, a volunteer emergency-worker tax-credit bill and ways to comment on the state's clean-energy policy.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Tim Walsh, Deputy Regional Permit Administrator Ashley Kasperowicz and Regional Wildlife Manager Michael Palermo attended. They outlined the State Environmental Quality Review process and recent updates before discussing hunting guidelines and licensing systems with the clerks.
The clerks described delays and administrative burdens they said frustrate hunters trying to follow the rules. The release does not identify a specific DEC system change or commitment made at the meeting. Helming said the agency representatives heard the concerns and discussed possible improvements.
Crystelyn Laske, Canandaigua's town clerk, said local offices need a more seamless digital licensing system, particularly to help younger people comply with hunting requirements. She said the roundtable gave clerks a chance to explain directly to DEC how state systems affect their offices and residents.
New guidebook for municipal grants
Helming announced a new 2026-27 Municipal Guidebook intended to help local officials find funding opportunities and other resources. She said her office can answer questions and provide letters of support for grant applications. The release did not include a download link or list specific programs in the new guidebook.
Seth Graham, Caledonia's town clerk and tax collector, said the meeting let clerks hear from state agencies, learn about available grant funding and discuss problems facing their communities. Faye Beshures, Avon's town clerk, said comparing experiences with other clerks can help offices identify approaches that work elsewhere.
Bloomfield Village Clerk Donna Wollschlenger said the discussions showed clerks that other offices face similar problems. She described the guidebook as a starting point for finding grants and programs they might otherwise miss.
Helming said clerks are often residents' first contact with local government and help people navigate services. The roundtable's theme, “Municipal Clerks: The Hearts of Our Communities,” recognized that role, her office said.
Tax credit and clean-energy comments
Helming also discussed legislation that would raise the state income-tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800. Attendees received a letter urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign it. The Assembly companion bill had passed both chambers as of Monday, according to the Legislature's bill tracker, but had not been listed as delivered to the governor; the increase is not yet law.
On energy costs and electric-grid reliability, Helming reviewed the Public Service Commission's 2026 Clean Energy Standard Biennial Review. Her office said she gave clerks and local leaders information about how they and residents can submit comments. The release did not specify a comment deadline or a position adopted by the clerks.
Helming said she would continue bringing clerks' concerns to state officials and sharing resources with local governments. The release did not announce a DEC rule change, grant award or other formal action resulting from the roundtable.
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