Town of Malone authorizes attorney to join settlement talks on NYSEG Malone transmission rebuild

Supervisor Terry Maguire announced the Town Board on Jan. 28 authorized attorney Bridget O'Toole to participate in settlement discussions on behalf of the town in the New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) Malone Transmission Rebuild Project. The board adopted Resolution 40-2026 by a 4-0 vote.

The board’s resolution directs O'Toole to advocate for certificate conditions favorable to Malone but makes clear that the authorization "shall not bind the Town Board to any settlement or condition without further Town Board approval." The resenduring language preserves the board’s final decision-making authority while enabling the town to have representation in ongoing Article VII discussions before the New York Public Service Law permit process.

The transmission project is being proposed under Article VII of the New York Public Service Law, the statute the resolution cites explicitly. The board recorded no dissent on the authorization; Councilors Marlow, Taylor, Deputy Supervisor Stewart and Supervisor Maguire voted in favor.

The resolution does not specify particular certificate conditions the town will seek; it authorizes participation in settlement talks and requests that counsel advocate on the town’s behalf. The board did not take further actions or direct staff to negotiate terms at the meeting.

What happens next: the town’s counsel may attend settlement discussions and report back to the board. Any settlement or binding certificate conditions would require subsequent Town Board approval, per the resolution’s language.

Sources: Town of Malone Board meeting, Jan. 28, 2026 (Resolution 40-2026).