Frequently Asked Questions


ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

What can I submit as proof of residency when applying for certain exemption?

This office accepts various forms of proof of residency such as your driver’s license, or a piece of mail – such as a utility bill – mailed to you at your new address.

 

Why do I have to submit proof of residency?

The reason why we ask for this is because New York State requires that Star exemptions, veteran’s exemptions, senior exemptions, etc. only be granted on the property where you actually reside, your primary residence.  Many people own multiple properties but only one of them is considered to be your primary residence and is eligible for certain exemptions.

 

Can I submit my exemption application at any time during the year?

Yes, we collect exemption applications throughout the year.  However, March 1st is the deadline for that year’s assessment file.

 

I closed on my house but my tax bill still came in the previous owner’s name. Why did this happen?

Each year the Tioga County Office of Real Property Tax Services uses our assessment file to print the Village, school, and Town & County tax bills.  The printing is done about 3-4 weeks before the bills are mailed out.  If the deed for the property is filed close to the time of the printing, there isn’t enough time to get the files updated so that the new owner’s name appears on the bill.  Always feel free to contact this office if you have a question about your property records.

 

DOG CONTROL

What should I do if my dog is missing?

Contact Dog Control ASAP. If we are closed please leave a message with a description of the dog, last place dog was seen, and a contact number. Dog Control’s number is 607-687-0123 Dept #5

 

How do I license my dog?

Town residents only may stop in at the Town Clerks Office with your dog’s current rabies certificate or download and fill out license application online and mail it with payment and current rabies certificate to the Clerk’s Office. Prices are $10.50 for altered dogs and $17.50 for un-altered dogs

 

I found a dog. Now what?

Click here to view our Found a Dog Pamphlet Coming soon

 

I think an animal is not being properly cared for or mistreated. What do I do?

Contact the Cruelty Officer at Stray Haven Humane society (607)565-2859 or contact Law Enforcement

 

Do you handle complaints about or pick up cats?

No, we only handle complaints with dogs.  If you have a wildlife question, please contact the NYSDEC Cortland Office at 800-388-8244.

Do you handle nuisance wildlife complaints?

Call Dog Control as soon as you realize that your dog is missing.  If we are closed, leave a voicemail with a description of the dog, where you last saw your dog and a contact phone number.  Town of Owego Dog Control’s phone number is (607) 687-0123 Dept# 5

What do I do if I suspect an animal is sick or rabid?

Call the Heath Dept. and local Law Enforcement

 

HIGHWAY INFORMATION

Who do I contact for snow removal on town roads?

The safety of our citizens is of the utmost importance to the Highway Department.  Our goal is to clear the roads in a timely manner. From November 15th to March 15th,  all roads should be free of vehicles and/or other obstructions during a snow and ice event.   Please contact the highway department at 607-687-0123 if you have questions or are in a safety situation that needs urgent attention.

 

Mailbox Damage

The Town of Owego has a right-of-way from the center of the roadway out 25 feet. If your mailbox is within this right-of-way, it may get damaged while our trucks are plowing or working on the roads. If your mailbox has been damaged by a Town of Owego Highway Department vehicle and/or piece of equipment, it is the Town's policy to reimburse a homeowner a one-time fee of up to $40.00 for any damages and/or repairs to the mailbox. This is a one-time reimbursement. The Town is not responsible if the mailbox has been damaged again. It is recommended that you check with your postal carrier for the regulations on the placement and height of your mailbox.

If your mailbox has been damaged, and you want to get reimbursed, you will need to submit a voucher form (Voucher) along with a receipt showing the cost of repairs and/or replacement of your mailbox. Send the completed voucher and receipt to the Town of Owego Highway Department, 2272 State Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732. If you are unable to repair the mailbox yourself, the Highway Department will assist in the repair and/or replacement of the mailbox, using standard materials.

 

Street Light Outage

To report a light out or a flickering light, please contact Town of Owego 607-687-0123, option 7.

 

Dead Animals

If there is a dead deer on a Town of Owego road please contact the Town of Owego Highway Department. Arrangements to dispose of it will be made. We do not dispose of other animals.

Driveway Permits

If you live in the Town of Owego and need a new driveway access you are required to obtain a Driveway Permit through the Town of Owego Highway Department. To start the Driveway Permit process, you will need to stake out the area where you want the new driveway access. After you have done this, call our office. The Deputy Superintendent will then visit the site and determine if a pipe is needed and if so, what size pipe. This information will be on the permit that will be sent to you. It is the permittee's responsibility to purchase the pipe and have it delivered to the site. Contact our office once the pipe has been delivered so we can make the necessary arrangements to install it, including contacting UDIG-NY to make sure there are no underground utilities. The clearance process takes two (2) business days. Once we receive clearance, we will install the pipe and maintain it thereafter. If a pipe is needed, a permit fee of $25.00 will be required.

 

PARKS

Do you take reservations for camping?

No. First come, first served.

Are dogs allowed in the park?

Yes.  Keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Do you take credit cards?

No.  Cash or personal checks only.

 

Where are you located?

Right in Owego- address is 359 Hickories Park rd. Owego. Ny. We are in the valley along the river between Binghamton and Elmira.

 

What is there to do at the Hickories?

Paved roads for Walking, Running, and Biking – Camping – Pavilion rentals – Soccer/Athletic fields – Playground – Public boat launch – Fishing access.

 

CLERK’S OFFICE

Who do I contact for recycling and what is the phone number?

Your garbage company.

What are the local trash pick –up companies?

Taylor Garbage 797-5277

Lee’s Sanitary 659-7520

Owego Sanitation 687-3283

 

Where are my divorce papers filed?

County Clerk

 

Where do I get a business license or DBA?

County Clerk

 

Does NYS require documentation for on-line ordained wedding officiants?

No

 

When are taxes due?

Town & County – January 31st, Village – August 31st, School- October 31st

 

How can I get copies of my school tax receipts?

Call your district or go to www.taxlookup.net and follow the prompts

 

How can I register to vote or get an absentee ballot?

Contact the Board of Elections

 

When are the Town Board meetings?

1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month

 

How do I rent a pavilion at Hickories Park?

Contact the Utilities Department at 687-0123

 

How do I sign up for Hunter Education courses?

Contact Cooperative Extension. Find more information about the Hunter Education Program here.

 

Phone numbers:

County Treasurer 687-8670

County Clerk 687-8660

DMV 687-8250

Village Clerk 687-3555

School Taxes –  Owego-Apalachin 687-6317, Newark Valley 642-3221, Vestal & Union Endicott 786-8554 Ext#. 202 or Ext# 243

Post Offices Owego 687-0661, Apalachin 625-2414

Board of Elections 687-8261

Family Court 687-1730

Social Services 687-8300

Chamber of Commerce 687-2020

Cooperative Extension 687-4020

 

 

TOWN COURT

How do I contact the District Attorney’s Office?

If you wish to discuss a possible disposition regarding a traffic violation you may click here. Click on “Traffic Reductions” to the left to access the instructions and application.

 

Does the court accept credit card payments?

The court does not have a card reader but credit card payments can be made online and/or a toll free phone number. There is a service fee for either service. If you use the website the internet service fee is 3.5% (Minimum $3.50) Phone service Fee is 5% (Minimum $5.00). You will also have to know the PLC (Pay Location Code) for the judge who assessed the fine. For the Hon. John Schumacher the PLC is 5462 For the Hon. Patrick Hogan the PLC is 5463.

 

What is the surcharge?

The surcharge is mandatory and imposed by New York State on each traffic violation conviction. The surcharge on all moving violations, which includes speeding tickets, is $93. The surcharge on equipment violations is $63.

 

What is the basis for a small claims case?

The person being sued in a small claims case must reside, work or have a place of business in the Town of Owego, which includes the village. It must be a verifiable Town of Owego address and it cannot be a post office box. If the amount you are suing for $1000 or less, the filing fee is $10; if it is between $1001 and $3000 the filling fee is $15. Hearings in a small claims case are scheduled for at least three weeks from the filing date. Small claims hearings are always held on Thursday – either at 10:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M.

 

 

 

WATER & SEWER

Do you take payments online or over the phone?

Yes we take online payments https://logicsolbp.com/townofowego/login.aspx  payment processing fee will apply).  We do not accept payments over the phone.

 

My bank doesn’t show the payment I made 2 weeks ago.

Please call the Clerk’s office directly.

 

Can I not pay the penalties as I’ve never been late before?

No. You can address concerns in writing to the Town Board.

  

What are capital charges?

They are fund capital improvements (many are mandated).

 

I do not understand my bill.

Please call our office for an explanation.