BERNE — Two minor disruptions have hit Berne in the first days of the year. 

The town hall will be closed from Jan. 10 through 17 for asbestos removal, Town Clerk Kristin de Oliveira told The Enterprise this week.

The town hall, originally a hotel, was built around the turn of the 19th Century and has been updated since. In addition to being the home to town offices, it once housed the Berne Library, and still has a history museum on its upper floor.

A notice from the town says that all offices will be temporarily relocated to the senior center at 1360 Helderberg Trail, built as the Foxlenkill Grange Hall, though there will be no court on Jan. 16. 

Asbestos is a category of mineral fiber that can be harmful if breathed in, though is not harmful if it is not released into the air. From the 1860s through the 1970s, asbestos was used in many kinds of insulation.

Berne also has mailed out its tax bills for 2024, according to the town’s website. On  Jan. 8, there was a notice acknowledging that the bills were late. 

“There was a computer glitch at one of the companies that is part of the tax billing system of the town,” tax collector Deb Flagler told The Enterprise. “The bills have been billed and  available online now.”

Tax bills may also be paid online at www.egov.basny.com/berne.

— Noah Zweifel