RECEIVE VILLAGE UPDATES AND INFORMATION BY TEXT: The Village of Chatham recently launched TextMyGov, a smart text messaging service that allows subscribers to quickly receive important updates and find information through text messaging.

The new service went live on October 6, 2025. On that date, some residents may have received a welcome text from 91896 introducing the service.

If you did not receive the initial message, you can still sign up by texting keyword VOC, VOCWATER, VOCGARBAGE, or VOCGHENT to 91896. After sending your selected keyword, be sure to reply YES to confirm your subscription.

You may choose from the following KEYWORDS to customize the notification types you’d like to receive:

· Text VOC to 91896 to receive ALL Village-wide Notifications, including ALL in-village Water/Sewer and Garbage notifications.

· Text VOCWATER to 91896 for in-village Water/Sewer Notifications ONLY

· Text VOCGARBAGE to 91896 for Garbage Notifications ONLY

· Text VOCGHENT to 91896 for Ghent Water District Notifications ONLY

If you’d like to opt out at any time, just reply STOP.

Non-village residents are also encouraged to sign up for TextMyGov notifications.

Through this new tool, the Village of Chatham will share timely updates such as event reminders, road closures, utility notices, and more.

TRACK YOUR WATER USE WITH THE EyeOnWater App, AVAILABLE NOW FOR UPGRADED METERS: As part of the Village of Chatham’s ongoing water-meter replacement and upgrade program, many residents have recently had new cellular-enabled water meters installed which allow for improved accuracy, efficiency, and real-time monitoring of your water usage.

If your home has received the cellular upgrade, you now have access to the EyeOnWater App, which lets you view your water consumption data anytime — helping you detect leaks early and make informed choices about water use.

Get Started

1. Download the free EyeOnWater app from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Sign Up using your ZIP code, water/sewer account number, and email address.

3. Verify your email and start monitoring your water use instantly.

Features

• Leak Alerts: Receive notifications for continuous water flow that could indicate leaks.

• Usage Tracking: View daily, weekly, and monthly usage trends.

• History & Comparisons: Track your consumption over time and compare year-to-year.

• Conservation Tips: Get personalized recommendations to help you save water and lower bills.

For assistance or detailed setup instructions, visit the EyeOnWater Help website at: https://helpeyeonwater.com/ . Thank you for supporting the Village’s efforts to modernize our water system and promote conservation.

CHATHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT: The Chatham Fire Department is pleased to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the Tracy Memorial Village Hall on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Letters for Santa can once again be left in Santa’s Mailbox at Tracy Memorial Hall.

The CFD will be conducting a Toy Drive to collect toys to be given away to children at a FREE Pancake Dinner & Hot Chocolate Bar Christmas Party which will be held on December 20, 2025, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Firehouse. The CFD is asking for new, unwrapped toys for all ages and genders or monetary donations (please make checks payable to Ocean Fire Company) to purchase gifts.

Chatham Fire Department members will be driving around the Village on Saturday, December 6th to pick up donations beginning at 10:00 am. Donations can also be dropped off at the Tracy Village Memorial Hall or Chatham Hardware any time before December 6, 2025. Individual pick-ups can be arranged by emailing: prattp5822@gmail.com.

SHREDDING: COLUMBIA COUNTY K.I.S.S. PROGRAM: Seniors over sixty can bring sensitive documents to the Village Hall from December 8th – December 19th, for FREE destruction. Village residents’ documents will be signed over to the Clerk and will be placed into a secure, locked container immediately. This container cannot be unlocked by any County or Village employee, only by the vendor.

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL: With winter fast approaching, it is important to keep your sidewalk clear of snow and ice. Please note that the Local Law regarding snow and ice removal has been updated.

Stay warm and have a very happy holiday season!