Kaitlin Lembo is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Cairo Town Board is asking the state Health Department to step in and offer advice after the Watts Pig Farm debate reached a 2-2 deadlock January 8. Town Supervisor Daniel Benoit said the only resolution that passed was a motion to send the case back to the health department. “We can’t agree how to move forward to investigate it,” Benoit said. “We can’t get a three-person majority.” The board is willing to have the state Health Department take the case over if necessary, Benoit said. Jason Watts, owner of the farm and newly sworn town board member, has recused himself from all votes concerning the farm and left the meeting room during deliberations. The stalemate leaves matters in the hands of Watts and his legal opponent, neighbor and former town board member Doug Ostrander. Either Watts or Ostrander can ask for a declaratory judgment from the state Supreme Court to render a final decision, Benoit said. Watts and Ostrander have been embroiled in a legal battle over Watts’ hogs for three years. The lawsuit named Watts and his uncle, Mark Meddaugh. The plaintiffs claimed they were exposed to health risks caused by noxious odors and potential water contaminants from the animals. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.