SHERMAN — Despite the many interruptions caused the coronavirus pandemic, a new grocery store in Sherman is still on track to open soon, village trustees learned at their regular meeting this month.

Village Mayor Colleen Meeder told trustees that the scheduled opening of Graham’s Market is on target for May 8. She noted that the inspectors who must give their approval before the market opens have not been able to visit the village, but she is confident that the inspections will be completed on time.

Sherman has been without a grocery store since the closing of Mack’s Hometown Market two years ago. Residents had expressed concern at some Village Board meetings that people, especially the elderly, have nowhere except the Dollar General to purchase groceries.

After several delays during a period of months, Mark Graham officially closed on the purchase of the store at 104 Church St. on Jan. 29. A grand opening is slated for sometime in the summer, Meeder said.

In another matter related to the current COVID-19 situation, the board approved the re-levy amount of approximately $60,000 of general outstanding accounts receivable. Ramm noted that “People are starting to get their $1,200 checks, which may help some of them pay what they owe. So, all final dollar amounts that go to the county will be reported at the May meeting.”

In other business, Meeder and the board reviewed three local laws which will be brought to public hearing on May 6. Meeder told the board that the first and second proposed laws are consistent with decisions of the town of Sherman.

Local Law No. 1 deals with opting out of exemption from taxation for certain energy systems as provided by Section 487 of the Real Property Tax Law. Local Law No. 2 concerns telecommunications facilities and small wireless facilities.

Local Law No. 3, which is particular to the village of Sherman, deals with the amendment to the sewer and water rents law.

The local laws will be presented for public hearing prior to the next regular board meeting on May 6. Trustees also approved the proposed 2020-21 village budget of $1.1 million. with a tax levy of $207,792, which translates into a levy increase of 1%.

Trustees also approved the payroll schedule for village employees hourly wages, which will take effect on June 1, and the increase of the hourly wage of the code enforcement officer to $15.75. The code enforcement officer wage increase is contingent upon completion of the completion of code enforcement training.