ELDRED, NY — The Highland deputy supervisor has resigned. In a letter dated September 1, and read at the September 13 Highland Town Board meeting, councilmember Jim Gutekunst announced that he would be retiring on October 21.

Saying that it has been a long and difficult decision, Gutekunst tendered his resignation due to his current health situation. “It’s been a great run—30 years in town government—but it’s time to retire. The most rewarding aspects were the board’s ability to deliver excellent services to the residents at a reasonable tax. Our board was able to maintain the tradition of being one of the least expensive municipalities in Sullivan County,” he wrote.

In an executive session at the meeting’s end, supervisor Jeff Haas announced that he had chosen councilmember Kaitlin Haas as his deputy.

“It is my appointment,” Jeff Haas announced following the session.

According to NYS Town Law #42, “The deputy supervisor shall be appointed by the supervisor to serve at the pleasure of the supervisor, and in case the office of supervisor becomes vacant any deputy supervisor in office at the time such vacancy occurs shall continue to serve until the successor of such deputy supervisor is appointed.”

The town is in the process of onboarding Kaitlin Haas to the position, and will pursue appointing Gutekunst as a volunteer financial consultant.

Gutekunst’s term is set to run until December 31, 2023. The town board will appoint a replacement. Anyone interested in applying for the appointment is encouraged to submit their name to the town clerk.