Maryellen Gillis, Chairwoman, Gathering Hope Food Pantry

“It was actively snowing for part of the time, but the cold is always a problem,” said Molgard. “Pieces of equipment do freeze up. We were able to get water fairly quickly on the fire but the fire was just too advanced. There wasn’t any real way to save the house.”

Joel Willsey, Berne

The project has been awarded a total of $3,080,100 through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Base Hardship program; close to a million dollars of that amount is because of interest-free financing due to the hardship that was established.

The new town board in Berne is looking to evaluate town practices, like how to handle solid waste, and to fill gaps in contracts and policies.

“I know you’re upset,” Giebelhaus told the crowd. “I am too. I’m probably the most upset person in the room. It’s my job to take your slings and arrows … I’m the town supervisor.” But no slings and arrows were forthcoming. Rather, there was a sense of shared misery and concern with some suggestions for help.

BERNE — Berne residents were surprised this week when they got their town tax bills: the expected 38 percent hike is closer to 69 percent.

The new supervisor, Joseph Giebelhaus, said that he was surprised as well.

The Rensselaerville Town Board has scheduled a hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the town hall.

He would still be willing to settle with the town, Crosier said.

Supervisor Joseph Geibelhaus said of the many resolutions, “There’s been a request for transparency. With transparency comes accountability.”