Greetings
On behalf of the Town Board, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Town of Milo. Whether you are alifelong resident, a new neighbor, or a visitor exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Finger Lakes region, we are glad you are here.
Milo is a truly special place to live, work, and grow. Defined by our rich agricultural heritage, rolling hills, and the stunning waters of both Keuka and Seneca Lakes, our community offers a perfect blend of peaceful rural charm and vibrant local community life.
This board meets every 3rd Monday of the month except for holidays. If a holiday occurs on a Monday, the meeting is scheduled for the next business day. The time of this meeting is 7 PM and takes place at 137 Main Street, Penn Yan, New York 14527.
Philosophy, Legal Responsibilites & Guiding Principals:
The Town Board's governing philosophy, legal responsibilities, and guiding principles are strictly defined across four core pillars in the town's official framework: its Ethical Standard, its Fiduciary Oversight and Financial Management, its Legislative Intent, and its Enforcement Policy.
Together, these form the practical "creed" by which the Town Board operates:
1. The Ethical Standard (Code of Ethics - Chapter 26)
The Town Board binds itself and all municipal employees to a strict standard of conduct designed to maintain public trust and eliminate conflicts of interest. Key principles include:
- Impartiality: Board members are strictly prohibited from having a personal stake in town business that conflicts with their public duty.
- Confidentiality: Board members are strictly prohibited from disclosing confidential information acquired during their official duties or using it to advance personal interests.
- Public Interest over Self-Interest: Board members cannot enter into agreements for compensation regarding matters before the town where their pay is contingent upon a specific board decision.
2. Fiduciary Oversight and Financial Management
The Town Board must make proactive, prudent decisions to protect taxpayer dollars and maintain the stability of town services:
- Formulating the Annual Budget: Each year, the Board must review, amend, and formally adopt the annual town budget. This involves estimating revenues (such as sales tax distributions, state aid, and department fees) and balancing them against projected expenditures.
- Balancing Services and Costs: The Board is legally obligated to balance the standard of municipal services desired by residents (e.g., snow removal, water infrastructure, fire protection, and highway maintenance) with the residents' willingness and ability to pay.
- Internal Control Environment: While the elected Town Supervisor serves as the chief executive and chief fiscal officer (handling day-to-day financial operations), the Board as a whole is responsible for monitoring those operations, auditing claims before payment, and ensuring strong internal accounting controls.
3. The Legislative Intent (Zoning & Growth)
When enacting local laws, the board operates under a specific mission statement to balance progress with the preservation of Milo's identity:
- Preserving Character: To protect and maintain the rural and historic character of the Town of Milo.
- Orderly Growth: To provide clear direction for orderly development and socioeconomic flexibility without infringing on the fundamental rights of its residents.
- Constitutional Safeguards: Explicitly ensuring that town provisions are interpreted and enforced in a manner that does not violate constitutional rights—including free speech, due process, and equal protection.
4. The Enforcement Policy (Fairness & Due Process)
The Town Board mandates that the administration of town codes must follow a philosophy of cooperation over punishment:
- Voluntary Compliance: The town’s official policy dictates that code enforcement must first attempt to achieve voluntary compliance from property owners before pursuing aggressive legal action.
- Anti-Anonymity & Privacy: To prevent the town government from being used as a weapon in neighbor disputes, the board requires all formal complaints to be signed with contact information (anonymous complaints are rejected unless an imminent safety danger exists). Furthermore, town officers are restricted from entering private property without explicit permission or legal warrants, honoring 4th Amendment protections.
These principals do not replace, but rather supplements, applicable state laws such as but not limited to Article 18 of the General Municipal Law of New York State, which acts as the statewide baseline for local government integrity.
Connect With Your Town Government
The Town Board is dedicated to serving our community with transparency, accessibility, and a commitment to preserving the unique character of Milo. We invite you to explore our website to:
- Access town department services and resources.
- View upcoming Town Board agendas and meeting minutes.
- Stay updated on community news, seasonal reminders, and local events.
We welcome your feedback, questions, and participation in our local government. Feel free to visit us or reach out to our team.
Members of the Town Board
The Town Board is comprised of the following members: