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Animal Control

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1. I lost my dog; what do I do?

Contact Brighton Animal Control at (585) 784-5120. Give us your name, address and phone number. Give us the breed, color, sex, age and any collar/tags that are on the dog. If you live near the border of the city or another town then you should contact their animal control departments as well: Rochester (585) 428-7274; Penfield (585) 340-8616; Henrietta (585) 359-7009; Pittsford (585) 248-6240. You should also contact the Humane Society at (585) 223-1330. If your dog returns home before we call you back then please leave us a message to let us know you are all set.

2. My dog is impounded; what do I do?

If you know your dog has been impounded, then come in to the Town Clerk's Office at 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will need to provide up-to-date license and rabies information, as well as pay the accrued impound and boarding fees for your dog. You will then be given a copy of the impound paperwork. Take that paperwork to the appropriate animal hospital where your dog is boarded. Showing them the paperwork will get your dog returned to you. The animal hospital will not release your dog to you without the necessary paperwork.

3. My dog was impounded by a Police Officer after 6:30 p.m. on a Friday; what do I do?

Police Officers do not have authorization to check on the status of dog licenses, collect seizure/impound fees and complete the impound paperwork. On weekends, an Animal Control Officer is on duty Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Dogs may be redeemed on weekends with the assistance of the Animal Control Officer during these hours.

4. My dog doesn't have a license; what do I do?

If your dog has been impounded then you can obtain a license for it when you come in to the Town Clerk's Office to pay the fees. You will need to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. In addition, if your dog has been neutered/spayed then you can save on the cost of the license by providing that documentation. The metal license tag you receive should be attached to your dog's collar at all times.

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Assessment

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1. How can I find current NYS Market News and Statistics?

https://www.nysar.com/news/market-data/

2. How can I search properties Listed for Sale?

http://www.homesteadnet.com/

3. How much are my taxes?

Taxes are provided by the Town Clerk at (585)784-5240. They may also be viewed online through the Monroe County property portal. www.monroecounty.gov

4. What is STAR?

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program that provides an exemption on a portion of school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences.
There are two types of STAR exemptions: Enhanced and Basic. More Information and Applications

5. How do I challenge my assessment?

The Informal Review process runs from September through the end of November. Applications for Informal Review are available in the Assessor’s Office. The Assessor will complete an interior inspection of the property and verify inventory before running comparable sales to determine the market value.

Formal reviews are conducted annually on Grievance Day, the 4th Tuesday in May. The Grievance Application form is available through the link provided below.  The original grievance form along with any supporting documentation must be returned by mail or delivered to the assessor’s office in person on or before 8:00 pm on the 4th Tuesday of each May.  We do not accept grievance forms by email. The Assessor’s Office begins accepting Grievance applications on May 1st; early filing is encouraged.

Grievance Application Form

6. When was the last Town-wide update?

The last Assessment update was in 2018.

7. What is an Assessment Roll Re-Valuation?

New York State law requires that assessments be fair, and that all properties be assessed at a uniform percent of market value.

Market values change. If the assessments do not reflect these changes, then some property taxpayers could pay more than their fair share of taxes, while others may pay less than their fair share. Revaluations are intended to restore fairness throughout the community.

8. Is my property market value the same as the assessed value?

The Assessor inventories and values Real Property at a uniform percentage of value, referred to as the Level Of Assessment (LOA). The 2021 assessment roll LOA was 95%. The 2022 assessment roll LOA is 89%. You may call the assessment office at (585) 784-5215 with any questions.

9. How do market changes impact assessments?

For example, four home owners purchased homes in Brighton for $100,000 in 2002. Over the years, the value of real estate has changed. House “A” may now sell for $80,000, house “B” may still sell for $100,000, house “C” may now sell for $120,000 and house “D” may now sell for $160,000.

Updating the assessments will reflect the new market values and will fairly
distribute the tax burden based on the current market value of each property.

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Courts

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1. I got a traffic ticket, what do I do?

If you receive a traffic ticket you have several choices on how to handle it: Pleading Guilty, Pleading Not Guilty or a Court Appearance without A Plea by Mail More...

2. How do I pay my traffic fine?

You must plead guilty in writing or in person in order for the Judge to assess the fine and surcharge. More...

3. I can’t make my court date, what do I do?

Call the Brighton Court Office before the court date at (585) 784-5152 to see if it can be rescheduled.

4. Do I need an attorney?

Whether or not you need an attorney to handle your traffic infraction is a personal decision that only you can make. If your license is in jeopardy based on the point system or if a traffic charge resulted from an accident, you are advised to consult an attorney.

5. I would like to observe a court session, is this allowed?

Yes, court is open to the public. For hearings and/or trials – you may want to contact the Court office to confirm the time.

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Finance

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1. When will my invoice get processed?

The Town Board reviews all claims at the Wednesday bi-monthly Town Board Meetings and checks are mailed for approved claims on the following Friday.

2. When can I pick up my check?

Checks may be picked up in the Finance Office after 3:00 pm on the Friday following a Town Board Meeting.

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Fire Department

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1. I just received an alarm renewal letter, but I cancelled my alarm service, what do I do?

Just mail back the letter to the Fire Marshal:

Brighton Town Hall
2300 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

Include a note that your service has been cancelled.

2. I want to rent a tent for an event, do I need a permit?

Yes, fill out the Fire Marshal Permit Application and bring it in to the Town Hall. Permit Application

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General

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1. What are your hours?

Town Hall Department Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Assessor, Building and Planning, Finance, Public Works, Town Clerk / Receiver of Taxes, Public Safety Wing Department Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Police Department (Records) 8:00am - 6:00 PM
Recreation Department Hours: (Located at Brookside School - 220 Idlewood Road) Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brighton Memorial Library Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 12:00 noon - 4:00 PM (closed 6/15 - 9/15) Sunday 12:00 noon - 4:00 PM

2. Where is the Town Hall located?

The Brighton Town Hall is located at 2300 Elmwood Avenue between Monroe Avenue and Clinton Avenue. Map

3. Where is the Recreation Department located?

Brighton Recreation is located in the former Brookside Elementary School at 220 Idlewood Road. The best way to reach us is by using the entrance on S. Winton Road between Westfall Road and route 590. Look for the white and blue Brighton Parks & Recreation sign on the East side of Winton Road.

Map

4. Where do I go for court?

The Brighton Town Court is located in the Public Safety Wing of the Town Hall complex at 2300 Elmwood Avenue. Map

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Highway

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1. What must residents know about driveway snow removal?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

2. A snowplow hit my mailbox? What do I do?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

3. What are the town's winter parking policies?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

4. What if my street is slippery? Whom do I call?

Please call the Highway Department at (585) 784-5280.

5. What is required by the Town if I am repaving/reconstructing my driveway?

The Brighton Town code states that, “No person or corporation shall open, disturb or work within, erect fences or structures, plant trees within or cause to be opened or disturbed by cutting, missiling, boring, digging, resurfacing or excavating the soil, pavement or sidewalk within any street, sidewalk or right of way, for any purpose whatever, without having secured a permit to perform such work.”

Therefore, a Highway Right of Way Permit is required prior to the repaving/reconstruction of driveways. The permit form, along with a fee calculator sheet can be found at the following link:
Highway Forms and Brochures

6. There is a pothole on my street whom do I call?

Report the pothole location (address and/or nearest cross street) to Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280

7. There is a dead animal in front of my house, what do I do?

Call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280 and give the location (address and/or nearest cross street) and the type of animal.

8. There is a street light out on my street, whom do I notify?

To report any street lighting issues, call RG&E at (585) 771-6780, or visit https://www.rge.com/web/rge/outages/reportorviewoutage/reportstreetlightoutage to fill out their online form.

9. The street sign is broken on my street, whom do I call?

Report the street sign location (address and/or nearest cross street) to Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a vacant position at the Town of Brighton?

You may download an employment application and return it directly to the department or to the Personnel Office at: Brighton Town Hall 2300 Elmwood Avenue Rochester, NY 14618

Application

2. How do I find out about Civil Service job openings and exams?

Visit the

Monroe County Website

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Parks and Recreation

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1. How do I register Online for a program?

Click HERE to register Online.

This will take you to our online catalog of classes. From there you can browse, set up a user account and register for programs right from home!

2. How do I rent a facility?

Facilities Reservations may be made over the phone with a valid credit card by calling: 585-784-5260 x0.
The billing address for the credit card MUST match the address of the person making the facility reservation.

3. Can you send me receipts for past programs my family has participated in?

Yes we can, but you can access all that information yourself utilizing your online account! Once your user account is set up you have the ability to register for programs, monitor your registrations, reprint receipts and check program information. Our Tax ID # is conveniently located on every program receipt!

4. I signed up for a class and have not received a confirmation. How do I know if I am in the class?

If you provide us with a valid email address we will automatically email you a receipt for your program registration.
If you don't receive an email receipt, please contact the Recreation Office to confirm registration at 585-784-5260 x0.

5. I signed up for a class and need to cancel, can I get a refund?

No refunds are issued except when a program is cancelled by the Department, or if you move from the area before the program starts, or a doctor certifies illness of a participant. A $10 administrative fee will be withheld on all refunds unless the class is cancelled.

6. I signed up for the wrong program, can I switch to another one?

Requests to transfer from one program to another must be made 2 weeks prior to class start date. A $10 administrative fee will be charged and must be paid before request is processed.

7. I am not a Brighton resident, can I still register for a class?

Yes. Non-resident registration starts after Resident registration begins. Registration start dates are listed with each program online.

8. I rented a lodge or pavillion, can I have alcohol at my party?

No alcohol is allowed in any Town Park or facility.

9. Can I take my dog to the park?

Yes, as long as it is on a leash at all times and you pick up after it.

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Police

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1. How do I get emergency help to someone in Brighton if I'm calling from outside Monroe County?

In an emergency you can reach the Monroe County 911 Center by dialing (585) 428-6666, and they will dispatch your call to the Brighton Police Department, 24/7.

2. How do I deal with annoying phone calls?

Contact your telephone service provider, so that they can document the problem. Your phone company may be able to provide you with some options to discourage unwanted calls. If you are being harassed or threatened, call 911 to file a report with a police officer.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Copies of approved motor vehicle accident reports are available to the registered owners, drivers and occupants involved. The cost for copies is $0.25 per page. Copies of approved crime and incident reports are available to the victims. Copies of reports can be obtained either in person or by mail by enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. Contact the Records Division at (585) 784-5125 for more information.

4. The people to notify in an emergency at my business have changed. How do I notify the Police Department?

The police department requests that the list of people to notify in an emergency be kept as accurate as possible. In this way, we can contact you immediately if necessary and not needlessly bother individuals no longer connected with your business. To change your information, print out the update form and mail it to the Brighton Police Department, 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Emergency Contact Form

5. When must child restraint seats be used?

Children under the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be in approved child safety seats. All children under the age of 2 must use a rear-facing car seat until they are two years old or reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat. For babies that outgrow their infant-only car seat, a convertible or 3-in-1 car seat should be used in the rear-facing position until they outgrow the maximum height and weight for the rear-facing position. Children ages 4, 5, 6, and 7 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, such as a child safety seat, harness/vest, or booster seat. Seat belts are not designed for children under 4’9”, and do not protect small children. Your child should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits him or her properly. This is usually when your child reaches 4’9" in height and is about 8 years old. All drivers and passengers are required to use seat belts.

6. How do I get my towed vehicle released?

For vehicles authorized to be released, an "Authorization for Release Slip" must be obtained from Records during normal business hours. To obtain the "Authorization for Release Slip" you must provide the following documents: •Valid Ownership Papers (Title &/or Registration) •Valid Insurance Card •Valid Personal Photo ID. The vehicle will only be released to the registered or titled owner, unless written notarized authorization from the owner is produced. An owner obtaining a release slip where the vehicle is stored at the PD impound may pick it up 24 hours a day. The minimum tow fee is $160.00 and is subject to additional charges. The storage fee of $40.00 per day starts after the vehicle is approved for release. Payment must be made in the form of cash (exact amount). You may call Records at 784-5125 to find out the amount due. An owner obtaining a release slip where the vehicle is stored at Sutherland Service, Harding's Towing or Twelve Corners Towing must contact the appropriate vendor for release information and storage fees. Their phone numbers are: Sutherland - (585) 381-5610; Harding's - (585) 424-3200; and Twelve Corners - (585) 473-5000.

7. How do I report suspected drug activity?

To report suspected drug activity, call the Brighton Police Department's hotline at (585) 784-5382.

8. How may I get my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprinting is available to Town residents and those people working within the Town of Brighton. Fingerprints are taken on Mondays from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, holidays excluded. Please call ahead (585) 784-5125 to ensure that fingerprinting for that day has not been canceled. Anyone wishing to have their fingerprints taken must show photo identification, and must provide a completed and signed fingerprint card, available from the requesting agency. The fee is $5.00 cash (exact amount only, please) per fingerprint card. The police department no longer fingerprints for immigration purposes.

9. What restrictions are placed on operators of motor vehicles with learner's permits?

A person with a learner's permit may operate a vehicle between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm when in the direct company of a person age 21 or older who is in possession of a valid New York State driver's license to operate that type of vehicle. Persons with permits may drive between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am when in the direct company of a licensed parent, guardian, Driver Education teacher or Driving School Instructor. See additional restrictions and information on the NYS DMV web site. NYS DMV

10. What restrictions are placed on drivers with junior licenses?

A person under the age of 18, holding a junior license, may drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm. A person with a junior license may drive without a supervising driver between 9 pm and 5 am only directly between home and a school course or employment. See additional restrictions and information on the NYS DMV web site. NYS DMV

11. What parking restrictions exist in the Town of Brighton?

No parking is allowed on Town streets from November 1 to April 15 between the hours of 2:00 am and 7:00 am. For more parking regulations, see Chapter 185 of the Town Code. Town Code

12. How do I pay a parking or traffic ticket?

The fines for a parking ticket are listed directly on the ticket. If you plead guilty, the fine can be paid to the Court either in person Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or by mail.
For traffic tickets, you must enter a plea to the court either in person or by mail, before your court date. (On handwritten tickets, see Section "B" on the reverse side of the traffic ticket. On computer generated tickets, see the right side of the ticket.) You may plead guilty either in person Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or by mail and the fine will be assessed.
More...

13. What are the telephone numbers for the police department?

For emergencies, to report suspicious activity or to make any type of report call 9-1-1
Administration call (585) 784-5150
Investigative Division call (585) 784-5110
Records Division call (585) 784-5125

14. Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet?

All persons age 14 and younger are required to wear a bicycle helmet when they are riding a bicycle or roller-blading.

15. How do I retrieve property in police custody?

Property may be retrieved during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by contacting the property clerk at (585) 784-5116. It is recommended you call before you come to the police department to avoid any inconvenience. Property held as a result of criminal activity must first be cleared for release by the district attorney’s office.

16. During what times of the year are studded snow tires legal?

Studded snow tires are legal between October 16 and April 30.

17. Can I call the police if I am locked out of my vehicle?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department no longer attempts to open locked doors. A tow company or locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or pet is locked inside, a police officer will request the fire department to gain entry into the vehicle.

18. How do I take care of a warrant issued for my arrest?

You have two choices. You may call 9-1-1 and advise the operator that a warrant has been issued and that you would like to turn yourself in or you may appear at the police department and advise the records personnel at the front counter.

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Public Works

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1. I have an old water heater at the curb, when will you pick it up?

Call your hauler. All bulk items must be removed by private refuse companies because the Town only picks up yard debris. If you're in a refuse district, call Waste Management at (585) 254-3500.

2. Can I store my boat on my driveway?

Outside storage of campers, boats and trailers greater than 24 feet in length or 6 feet in height on residential lots is permitted for up to 72 hours in any 4 day period. Campers, boats and trailers and utility trailers under those dimensions may be parked in the rear yard only, provided they are not within 10 feet of a property line and are screened from the view of neighbors. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 785-5226 and we'll help.

3. My neighbor has teenagers and lots of cars and very frequently cars are parked on their lawn. Is this allowed?

Parking of any vehicle on grassed areas in the front yard is prohibited by Town code. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

4. My neighbor has cut his grass only twice this summer. How often should the grass be cut?

Town code requires that all properties are kept free of accumulations of brush, shrubs, weeds, grass, stumps, roots, excessive and noxious growths, garbage and refuse. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

5. The house across the street has peeling paint and exposed wood. Can the Town do something about this situation?

Town code requires that exposed surfaces be treated to resist deterioration and weathering if they are not naturally resistant. Materials that are treated must be maintained in a neat, orderly, serviceable manner. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll inspect.

6. The sidewalks in front of my house are cracked and in bad shape. Must I pay for their repair?

The Town has sidewalk districts that enable repairs to be made to the sidewalks and the cost is shared by the homeowners in those districts. Call the Highway Department at (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll inspect.

7. I'm building a deck in my backyard. Do I need a permit?

Please remember that permits are required for fences, sheds, air conditioners, decks, pool installation and most other projects. Please call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 we will be happy to answer your questions.

8. Why has my plastic bag full of yard waste not been picked up by the Highway Department?

The Town no longer picks up grass clippings. We encourage residents to recycle them back into the lawn. Further, nothing in plastic bags will be picked up. You can use the brown lawn & leaf bags or an empty refuse container (which will be emptied and placed back on your property) for brush and leaves.

9. Can I store an unlicensed vehicle on my driveway?

No, any unlicensed, uninspected vehicle is considered to be a junk car and must be under cover (garage) or off the site. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

10. What is required by the Town if I am repaving/reconstructing my driveway?

The Brighton Town code states that, “No person or corporation shall open, disturb or work within, erect fences or structures, plant trees within or cause to be opened or disturbed by cutting, missiling, boring, digging, resurfacing or excavating the soil, pavement or sidewalk within any street, sidewalk or right of way, for any purpose whatever, without having secured a permit to perform such work.”

Therefore, a Highway Right of Way Permit is required prior to the repaving/reconstruction of driveways. The permit form, along with a fee calculator sheet can be found at the following link: Highway Forms and Brochures

11. My neighbor never removes their garbage cans/toter from the street. Is this allowed?

Trash should not be put out until the day prior to scheduled collection. Containers must be removed from the front yard by the end of the day of pickup. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

12. How do I report a property maintenance concern that I am aware of?

To report any property maintenance concerns, please call the Complaint Line at 585-784-5370 and leave a detailed message including address of property in question, specific nature of the concern and your name and contact information if you'd like a response. We will respond as warranted.

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Receiver of Taxes

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1. I didn't receive my tax bill. What should I do?

New York State Real Property Tax Law 922(3) states that property owners are responsible for all property taxes and any applicable interest whether or not the bill is received.

If you have not received your bill, please complete the form found here or call 784-5240.   Tax information is also available 24/7 at the Monroe County website.

PLEASE NOTE - If your taxes are held in escrow, your bill will be forwarded directly to your lender.

2. Is the amount of my tax bill available yet?

The bill amounts are generally available by January 1 / September 1, but we have created a Tax Bill Availability mailing list allowing you to be notified by email or text as soon as they are available.  Sign up: https://www.townofbrighton.org/list.aspx

3. How can I get a copy of my tax receipt?

In the ongoing effort to keep costs down, we do not automatically mail a receipt for all received tax payments.  New York State law requires that receipts be sent to all property owners whose taxes are in escrow, but we do not otherwise mail any receipts unless specifically requested by checking the box on the payment stub.  

You are always able request a copy of your receipt be emailed to you by completing a Tax Receipt Request form.

4. What if the due date falls on a weekend?

Any time a due date falls on a day when Town Offices are closed, payments will be considered timely on the next business day without any penalty or additional interest due.  We also now have a payment drop box located at the rear of Town Hall at Entrance #9 that is available 24/7.

5. I am helping care for a relative. Can I get a copy of their tax bill?

Any property owner can designate another person to receive a duplicate copy of their tax bill by completing the Change Request for Tax Bill form.  We will mail or email a copy of the bill to that individual.

6. Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?

Yes.   There are two credit card options.

IN PERSON in the Brighton Town Clerk's Office 

Our vendor will charge a 2.45% convenience fee for all credit card payments.

ONLINE at the Monroe County website.  

1. Go to the Monroe County website’s tax page - HERE
2. Enter your property address
3. Click the green Pay Property Taxes button
4. Click the Pay taxes button at the bottom of the page

Monroe County’s vendor will charge a 2.75% convenience fee for all credit card payments.  

7. I paid off my mortgage. What now?

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

If you have paid off your mortgage, please complete the Change Request for Tax Bill form let us know to send future bills directly to your billing address.  

Important reminder - Property owners are responsible for the tax bill and any applicable interest whether or not they receive a bill, so please make sure and let us know.

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8. Are there rules about mailing my payments?

POSTMARKS AND POSTAGE METERS

New York State Real Property Tax law section 925 states:

if payment for the amount of any taxes on real property, accompanied by the statement of such taxes, is enclosed in a postpaid wrapper properly addressed to  the  appropriate collecting  officer and is deposited in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States postal service, such payment shall, upon delivery, be deemed to have been made to such officer on the date of the United States postmark on such wrapper.  If the postmark does not appear on such wrapper or the postmark is illegible such payment shall be deemed to have been made on the date of delivery to such collecting officer.

tl;dr:  payments received without a US postmark or with a postage meter mark will be marked received on the day they are delivered to our office.

This is of particular importance at or near the due dates.  If your envelope arrives after a due date and lacks an USPS postmark, you will be liable for the applicable interest.  To avoid this, we highly recommend that you go into a USPS branch and ask that they postmark your envelope while you watch.

9. Can I pay my taxes in person anywhere other than Town Hall?

Unfortunately, not at this time.  If you are not able to make it into our office during business hours, please utilize one of our payment drop boxes.

10. Is it true that I am not allowed to use online bill pay for taxes?

We strongly advise AGAINST using online bill pay for your taxes.  The banks still mail us a physical check when you submit your online request.  The companies that print and mail checks for the banks use a different class of mail that DOES NOT receive a USPS postmark.  If a payment arrives after the due date, the lack of USPS postmark will result in it being late and you would be liable for interest on those payments received after the due date.

We have prepared this primer on the perils of using online bill pay.

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Sewer

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1. Is my home or property connected to the Town's sanitary sewers?

If you feel there is a question of whether your home or business is connected to the sewer system, please call Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280.

2. I need to know where the Town of Brighton sewers are.

If you need to know where the sewers are because excavation work is being planned call Dig Safe at 811. If you need to know the location of sewers for any other reason call Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280.

3. Who do I call if I have a sewer backup?

Call Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5282 where personnel are on call 24 hours a day. If a Dispatcher is not inside the building, a telephone answering service will take any messages and forward it to a Sewer employee. The employee will return your call and respond to the problem.

4. Can you recommend a plumber to clean out my sewers?

The Town of Brighton does not recommend or endorse any plumber. It is advised to call around and get a few estimates for any work that you need to have done. We do have a list of plumbing contractors that are licensed with the City of Rochester and have also taken out a license to work in the Town of Brighton. Call the Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280 for a current list.

5. Is there a charge if I call Brighton Operations Center about a sewer backup?

There is no charge whether there is a problem found with the public sewer or not. If any problems are found with the property owners plumbing, it will be the owner’s responsibility to have it repaired at their own expense.

6. Who do I call about odor problems?

If the odor is outside or inside contact Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280. A frequent cause for inside odors is a dry trap. Pouring a quart of water into all sinks, showers/tubs and floor drains may correct this problem. If it is felt that the odor may be of an explosive nature (Natural Gas) leave the building immediately and call 911 from a neighbor’s house.

7. My stool just blew up! What happened?

Water being splashed out of the toilet may occur when the Sewer Department is cleaning sewers. This sometimes happens when there is a problem with the plumbing inside your house. Contact Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280 who will determine if your problem occurred when the sewer main was being cleaned.

8. Why are there flags in my yard?

It is generally because there is excavation work being planned in the area and the person, company or utility planning the work has requested "locations" through Dig Safe. The flags mark the location of buried utility lines. Before the Sewer Department would do any major excavation work (backhoe type work) on your property you would be contacted unless an emergency situation occurs.

9. Do I need a permit?

If any new connections, additions to, or repair work is needed to the storm or sanitary sewer system, Permits are required. See permit section for details or call our office 784-5282

10. What can I dump down the sewers or my drains?

Please read this sewer brochure or contact Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280. Sewer Brochure

11. Who do I call about storm sewer problems?

Street flooding, catch basins that are in disrepair, standing water, or other storm related water problems, contact Brighton Operations Center at (585) 784-5280.

12. Why did you put a manhole in my yard while I was at work?

When manholes are built the tops of the manholes are left accessible. Later when homes and businesses are built manholes are occasionally buried in yards and driveways. The Sewer Department Routine Cleaning Crew usually locates these "lost" manholes when they clean the sewers. The buried manholes are then turned over to the Repair Crew that adjusts the manholes to grade so they are accessible again. Manholes can be adjusted using the 16 inches of allowable adjustment between the manhole cone and frame.