AFTON — Tensions are rising in Town of Afton as local residents question the actions and language used by members of the Afton board during recent municipal proceedings.

Residents at the meeting raised concerns regarding transparency and the specific terminology employed by board officials during discussions on local ordinances.

Several residents in attendance at the latest meeting on Oct. 8 sought clarification on recent policy shifts, arguing that the board's official communications have lacked clarity and failed to adequately address community input.

Residents said they want the board to share more information about the on going budget process and proposals.

During the meeting the town board said they would enter a closed executive session to review the 2027 Town of Afton preliminary budget; according to documentation provided by Town Clerk Sandra D. Reiling.

Town Supervisor John Lawrence defended the boards's procedures, stating that all actions comply with local governance requirements.

When Lawrence was questioned about the purpose of the executive session, he stated that the meeting was held to discuss a few specific issues rather than the overall budget and he may not have made that clear at the time.

According to Chenango County Attorney Zachary Wentworth, New York state law limits the specific reasons a governing board can enter executive session, and reviewing a budget is not among them.

“There is a very specific list of reasons why a board can exercise that privilege, and the topics covered in budget meetings do not typically fall into those categories,” Wentworth said. “All of the budget meetings are public, and anyone can attend.”

Planning Board Chair Dale Dewey confirmed the executive session was called to discuss the budget

“They called the meeting to executive session and Mr. Wicks asked why,” Dewey said.  “Lawrence stated it was to discuss the preliminary budget. He then left the room and I left myself,  so I don’t know about the ending, but assumed the meeting was adjourned after their session.”

He also noted he had not reviewed the budget nor was it present to the public for review at any of the recent meetings.

Lawrence said no one asked for a copy so he didn’t hand any out but also said he does not print copies of the budget, which he was now considering.

Afton resident Jason Wicks, who is running against Lawrence for the town board seat, attended the meeting and said New York State law prohibits public boards from discussing general budget matters in executive session.

“My objection was not in the minutes,” Wicks said.

The town clerk said there will be an amendment adding Wicks’ objection to the official meeting minutes.

Wicks noted he eventually heard from the town clerk after submitting a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request for the budget.

While he has now received a copy, Wicks emphasized that there was no public review of the budget and that the minutes reflect the preliminary budget was completed behind closed doors.

He also questioned comments Lawrence made during a June meeting and raised concerns regarding the planning board.

In a video recording from a recent board meeting, Lawrence and Wicks also discussed the board and recent departures from it.

Wicks requested a hearing regarding how individuals are appointed to positions, stating there must be a vote with an open quorum. "It's the law," Wicks said.

In the video, Lawrence replied, "I don't care if it's the law, I don't care if it's the law, and that's that."

When asked whether he made the statement, Lawrence said he was speaking directly to Wicks and meant,"I don't care about your law."

Lawrence added, “I care deeply about the law and always follows state statutes.”

Lawrence initially said the budget would be reviewed at the next regular meeting on Nov. 12, but later changed course with the town clerk issuing a notice regarding a public hearing date.

The Town of Afton issued a legal notice Oct. 20, disclosing that a public hearing on the 2027 budget will be held Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. during a special board meeting at the office of the town clerk, 204 County Road 39 in Afton.

The public may view the preliminary budget at the town clerk's office during regular business hours.

Under New York Open meeting laws, Chapter 47, Article 7, Section 105, “public bodies may conduct executive sessions only for specific enumerated purposes, provided that no formal vote is taken to appropriate public moneys.”

Exceptions include matters involving public safety, law enforcement identity, criminal investigations, current or pending litigation, collective bargaining negotiations, personnel history or discipline, examination preparation, or real estate transactions where publicity would affect property values.

For Afton meeting minutes and further information, visit www.townofaftonny.gov.