Interview: Lowville Town Supervisor Mullin talks apparent insurance policy issues for SNIRT, 2023

LOWVILLE- Apparently, there are some issues with the insurance policy for this spring's annual SNIRT Run.

That's according to Lowville Town Supervisor Robert Mullin. He spoke with us on Thursday - revealing the town's concerns over the verbiage used by the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals in their insurance policy.

The club is responsible for organizing this highly anticipated event. "It is obvious that the policy is referring to spectators, not participants," Supervisor Mullin told us. 

"Additionally, the insurance policy has an exclusion of alcohol. That is a big concern. Another concern is the wording of the release and identity waiver form for minors." 

Mullin clarified it is against New York State law for parents and/or guardians to waive the right of a minor. "This release does not include participating towns or Lewis County in its language," Mullin added.  

The question revolves around a big if - because if something were to happen during the SNIRT event this year under their current insurance policy, Mullin says it opens up a can of worms for all sorts of liability. "It would all fall back on the taxpayers," he emphasized.

"Unless all of these issues are addressed satisfactory for the town of Lowville, roads will remain closed for ATV's and UTV's for the SNIRT Run."

Listen to our latest on-air coverage here:

We did reach out to the Sno-Pals club for a response to this development, to which they had no comment as of this report. On the other hand, the club did give comment earlier this week to WWNY-TV News - claiming their insurance company has been in touch with the town and that they were working to address these concerns.  

Additionally, we have also reached out to the County Manager, Ryan Piche, and Director for the county's Recreation, Forestry and Parks Department, Jackie Mahoney, to see where the county stands on this situation and we have yet to hear back as of this report.  

SNIRT run has become a Tug Hill tradition for the past 17-years, where folks take their ATV and UTV machines to the trails and numerous roadways, visiting several local establishments along the way. 

The event is known to draw in thousands of people from all over.

Although it's cutting things close, Mullin made note there is still some time for Sno-Pals to re-arrange their policy and have it mold to the concerns that have been brought up.

If and when anything new develops, we'' share another update.

Image via SNIRT Run.