Monroe Officials Sworn In; Mileage Policy Under Review

Monroe took a series of personnel and administrative actions at its Jan. 7 Town Board meeting that reshaped local leadership and addressed officer reimbursements. Maureen Richardson was sworn in as Monroe Town Supervisor in a public ceremony in which she administered the oath on top of a Bible and the town code. Richardson thanked residents and supporters in attendance and said, “I have always stood for this town. This town has always stood with me. And now, again, I get to take this seat because of all of you.”

Also sworn in as new members of the Town Board were councilpersons Bethany Stephens and Luis Rivera, completing the board’s roster following the recent election. Richardson appointed Mary Bingham to fill the council seat she vacated by moving into the supervisor role. Audra Schwartz was sworn in as Town Justice, formalizing the court’s bench for the coming term.

At a joint meeting of the Town of Palm Tree and the Town of Monroe held the same evening, both municipalities approved the appointment of Matthew Turnbull to fill the District 1 Orange County Legislature seat vacated by Katie Bonelli. That appointment changes local representation at the county level for residents in District 1 and will determine who casts votes for countywide policies affecting services, budgets, and local projects.

On administrative matters, the board approved a mileage reimbursement allowance of 72.5 cents per mile for town officers and said members will review the reimbursement policy to address potential loopholes. The review signals attention to expense controls and ethical administration of taxpayer-funded reimbursements, a matter with direct implications for town budgets and public trust.

Richardson encouraged residents to apply for open alternate positions on the town’s planning and zoning boards, pointing to continued opportunities for civic involvement. The board confirmed its next meeting for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Monroe Town Hall, 1465 Orange Turnpike.

For Monroe residents, the swearing-in, appointment to the county legislature, and the pending policy review on reimbursements all affect local governance. New board dynamics and a different county legislator can influence priorities on land use, public services, and fiscal oversight. The administration’s call for applicants to planning and zoning alternates also presents a near-term way for residents to engage directly with decisions that will shape development and community character.