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County discusses whether to charge municipalities for railroad easements; staff to continue outreach
Summary
Lewis County staff briefed legislators on easements acquired with the county's railroad purchase, noting municipalities and utilities historically paid annual fees; staff recommended researching records and pursuing discussions with affected villages before deciding whether to suspend charges for Lowville and others.
County staff opened a discussion about railroad easements the county acquired when it purchased a rail line, telling legislators that a third‑party contractor formerly billed municipalities for annual easement rights and that some recipients — including the Village of Lowville — currently face bills. The staff presentation said the county is researching easement validity and historical practice and has notified some holders.
The staff report noted the Village of Lowville presently pays about $10,000 per year in easement fees, though the county's records are inconsistent and staff are still "researching them right now and making sure they're all valid," the presenter said. Legislators debated whether to suspend billing while the county clarifies records and whether suspending charges for one village impairs the county's ability to charge other holders later. Legal counsel said the board could authorize suspension of payments while retaining easements on record and the right to reinstate charges later.
Several members urged directors to consult directly with affected municipalities and recommended discussing Lowville's situation with its board before making a countywide decision. Staff said they had told Lowville not to pay any interim bills until the matter is resolved and will return with a recommended approach at a future meeting.
