Rockland Writes: NYS Court in the Village of Airmont Lack Of Service

To whomever this may concern about the NYS Court in the Village of Airmont, 

I’ve been dealing with a frustrating issue at the NYS Court in the Village of Airmont court office and am hoping that it can be addressed.

Nearly a year ago I received a ticket in Airmont and immediately went to the NYS Court in the Village of Airmont to give in the ticket. When I got to the NYS Court in the Village of Airmont office no one was at the front desk and there was a note pointing to where tickets can be deposited, so I left it there. 

After waiting several months to hear back I returned to the NYS Court in the Village of Airmont office to speak with the clerk, but when I showed up no one was at the desk. I had to go back to the office several times over the next few weeks until I finally saw a clerk. All she told me was that it sometimes takes time to process the tickets and that I should wait to get a letter in the mail. 

Almost a year later I received a letter saying that I need to pay a $250 fine. I’ve been going to the office twice a week for several weeks now in order to pay the ticket, but each time I go there is a note at the front desk saying that the clerk is on vacation, has left early, or she’s simply just not there. I’ve gone at 9am only to be told that the clerk isn’t in yet and have gone at 1pm only to hear that she left early. No matter what time I go the clerk is not there and I keep having to come back.  

Even a sign on the door announced an 8-day closure for "Thanksgiving." Has any other workplace taken such a long vacation—on our tax money?

This lack of service is inexcusable. The NYS Court in the Village of Airmont employees are public servants who should be available, at a minimum during regular office hours from 9am-3pm, to assist local residents. 

Please address this immediately. 

Thank you,

YG

P. S.: The Village of Airmont Board is not responsible for the NYS court system.