By election day, Tuesday, November 3, you will have a chance to vote for your preferred candidates. If you live in the Town of Sweden, including the Village of Brockport, you will also have an opportunity to vote on a Referendum to amend the Tax Receiver position from an elected position to an appointed position. The appointment would be made by the Sweden Town Board. Why are the Sweden Town Board, the current Tax Receiver, and the Town Clerk in favor of this change?
Currently, the Tax Receiver is an elected part-time position. The person elected is not accountable to the Town Board. As an elected official, they can work as much or as little as they want and schedule their own hours. If it is moved to an appointed position selected by the Town Board, the duties can be added to those of a current full-time position at the Town Hall, including their deputies. This means that a Tax Receiver would be available during 100% of the hours the Town Hall is open. It is also very difficult to hire for a part-time position in the current employment environment.
The qualifications of the Tax Receiver would include an accounting or banking background and the ability to handle millions of dollars of tax receipts. An elected official may not have these qualifications. If appointed, the person would be accountable to the Board, including monthly reports and a separation of functions for internal control purposes. This does not occur with an elected position. If the appointed person is not performing in the best interest of our residents, the Board has the ability to make a change. If elected, the only recourse is to wait four years and hopefully elect a more qualified person.
Do you want to give up an elected position in your town? I can understand this concern. However, you retain the ability to elect your Town Board. If they are underperforming, including this appointment, you can vote them out. In 16 of the 19 towns in Monroe County, this has been an appointed position for a number of years and has had very positive outcomes.
This choice is 100% yours. We respect your right to be heard on this matter and look forward to the outcome. If you have any questions before casting your vote, please reach out to me, any Town Board member, the Tax Receiver, or the Town Clerk.
As in previous years, I encourage you to vote by November 3, 2026, no matter your party affiliation. That is the most important message I am conveying today: cast your vote! In the current political environment, I can understand the outlook of apathy and the desire to stay home. Please exercise your right to be heard by voting in this election and on this referendum.
Patricia Hayles
Sweden Town Supervisor
