TOWN OF FREMONT, NY — It’s common practice for Sullivan County to farm out some of the snow plowing of county roads to the town highway departments, and the county pays the towns for the service.

This year, the Town of Fremont is declining to participate.  Users on social media on the evening of November 8 were circulating a note from the Fremont town board to residents.  The note said, “Due to the rising cost for the maintenance to our plowing salt sanding vehicles we will no longer be able to renew our contract for ice and snow removal for with Sullivan County for the county roads in the Town of Fremont.  We are also unable to meet their contract standards due to the poor condition of their roads.

“The following roads will not be maintained by the town of Fremont Highway Department: County Roads 131, 132, 94, 95 134, 93.”

It goes on to say if there’s a problem with these roads residents should call the Sullivan County Maplewood Department of Public Works Facility or Commissioner Ed McAndrew.  It’s signed by Supervisor George Conklin and the members of the town board.

Responding to an inquiry Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek and County Chair Luis Alvarez issued a statement saying, “This was a request initiated by the Town of Fremont Board. The County is fully prepared to adequately provide winter maintenance on our roads in the Town of Fremont, and travelers should notice no decline in the plowing and sanding of these highways. In addition, the rain-delayed repaving of County Routes 131 and 132 (Hankins Road) should be completed before the end of the year.”