BETHEL — The Town of Bethel Town Board held its annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday, January 7, followed by a regular meeting that included year-end financial reports, board appointments, and renewed debate over development policy.

Supervisor Daniel Sturm reported that the town ended 2025 in a strong financial position. “Bottom line is that we’re about $85,000 better than 2024, which was a very good year,” Sturm said. 

He reported that the town brought in approximately $309,000 more in revenue year over year, including about $50,000 from local cannabis sales, while mortgage tax revenue declined. Roughly 92 to 93 percent of the general fund budget was spent during the year. 

In the Highway Department, Sturm said spending was about 3.4 percent lower than in 2024, though the town is still awaiting approximately $165,000 in delayed state CHIPS funding. “They shorted us about $165,000. It’s not our fault — it’s their fault — and we’ve been told we’ll see it,” he said.

The board approved its 2026 organizational structure, including salaries and appointments, and designated the Sullivan County Democrat as the town’s official newspaper, with the River Reporter named as needed. 

Robert Doherty was appointed and sworn in as tax collector for a term expiring December 31, 2026, and Rita Sheehan was reappointed registrar of vital statistics. The board also confirmed that Councilman Adam Gold will serve as a liaison to the Comprehensive Planning Committee, replacing his previous status as a voting member.

Several planning and zoning appointments were also approved. Dan Gettel was reappointed as a member and chair of the Planning Board, with Jim Crowley named vice chair. On the Zoning Board of Appeals, Steve Kaufman was reappointed and Lance Houston was appointed to fill a vacancy. The Zoning Board of Appeals currently has remaining vacancies.

During the regular meeting, the board discussed the town’s pending acquisition of the Smallwood water system and noted that a state Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant application was not approved due to limited funds. Sturm said the town’s application was deemed acceptable but did not receive funding. A special meeting and public hearing on Smallwood water is scheduled for January 14 at 7 p.m.

The board also voted 3-2 to reintroduce a previously rejected development moratorium for further consideration later this month. Councilwoman Wendy Brown said, “It needs to be reintroduced,” while other board members said the move to approve the moratorium would allow additional time to complete the town’s comprehensive plan.

Public comment addressed development concerns, including proposed marina expansions requiring zoning approval, followed by discussion of the Smallwood water system, youth programming, animal welfare, and potential uses for cannabis tax revenue. One resident urged the town to direct cannabis-related revenue toward prevention efforts, saying, “Something positive needs to be done with that revenue, especially when it comes to youth.”