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Residents press Vernon Council on PILOTs, MUA and library during public comment
Summary
During two public-comment periods residents raised concerns about PILOT timing and petitioning, the Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), sewer fees, the library, and requested more transparency on salaries and videos; speakers asked for the council to permit phone or email public comment options.
Multiple residents used the March 2 public-comment periods to press the council on transparency and local programs. Doreen Edwards asked about PILOT payments and when fees were due. Kirk Steven and Peg Distasi expressed concern about PILOT petitions and program impacts. Sean Clarkin asked for a public salary spreadsheet, urged the council to work on the 2027 budget and requested the option to call or email into meetings for comment. Ann Larsen questioned whether sewer fees affect PILOTs, asked about an appraisal fee for the Legends property and said she had filed an OPRA request for a video made by the mayor. Steve Dunlop repeated concerns about the MUA and questioned the CFO’s responses to earlier inquiries.
Speakers generally sought greater financial transparency and clearer answers on whether certain fees or petitions would affect local taxpayers. The minutes record two timed public-comment periods (the first limited to three minutes per person for current-agenda items; the second limited to five minutes per person for general comment). Council members did not take formal action on the requests during the March 2 meeting.
The transcript reflects repeated public concern about PILOT arrangements and the MUA’s operations; several speakers urged improved access to meetings and more detailed financial reporting from township staff.
