Pictured at left is Town Justice Jonathan Szumigala. He is pictured with Town Board member Colleen Yerico, middle, and Supervisor Tom Wik. Submitted photo

SHERIDAN — At a recent special meeting of the Sheridan Town Board, Colleen Yerico spoke on behalf of the Board in favor of a proposition on the ballot on Election Day. Yerico stated the Town Board supports the reduction of Town Justices from two to one.

The Town Board came to its conclusion based on conversations with Town Justice Jonathan Szumigala, who stated that he is capable of handling the duties himself if the second position is abolished. Eliminating one of the two positions would lead to substantial savings to the Town.

The Town of Sheridan has been operating with one justice for the majority of the year with Lydia Romer, a Town Justice for nearly two decades, out on medical leave. Romer is not listed as an official candidate for the role if voters decide against its abolishment. If voters determine that a second Town Justice is necessary, the candidate with the highest amount of votes will be elected to the role.

A vote “yes” on the ballot would be in favor of the reduction to one judge. In the event that the reduction is approved, the Town of Sheridan will rely on Town of Dunkirk Justice Christopher Penfold to fill in for Szumigala in his absence. Szumigala hs offered to do the same for the Town of Dunkirk. The two municipalities share services often, as Highway Superintendent Jeff Feinen serves as the supervisor for both Dunkirk and Sheridan highway departments.

Once the decision is made by voters, one way or another, the Town Board will finalize its 2026 Town Budget. The final budgeted amounts cannot be determined until after the decision is made regarding the potential reduction of a Town Justice.

The Town of Sheridan Justice Court disposed of 131 vehicle traffic law cases, five penal law cases, one regulatory law case and one tax law case during the month of July, resulting in $13,580 collected and turned over to the Town for distribution. In the month of June, the Town Court disposed of 131 vehicle traffic law cases, 11 penal law cases, and one tax law case for a total of $13,802 turned over for distribution. The month of May featured 185 vehicle traffic law cases disposed of, along with one environmental conservation law case for a total of $15,875 turned over for distribution.

Also at the recent meeting, the Board entered into an agreement with Nussbaumer and Clarke, Inc., for amended professional engineering services pertaining to the bidding of Phase II of the Sheridan Bay Campground project. Jeff Feinen was also authorized for the purchase of a box for the highway truck, as needed for winter months, at a cost not to exceed the quoted price of $18,650.

The next regular meeting of the Sheridan Town Board will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Sheridan Community Center.