Massena board to review department budgets at Oct. 28 workshop

The Massena Town Board is scheduled to hold a budget workshop Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 4:30 p.m. The session will focus on proposed spending for several town services and a resolution involving bond counsel for potential borrowing.

The budgets under review include the Highway Department, Massena Airport, town museum, Massena Public Library, Massena Court and Code Enforcement. The agenda also includes a proposed agreement with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP related to notes or bonds not to exceed $10,000.

The meeting was rescheduled under a town notice posted Oct. 22. The town’s Agenda Center includes information about the meeting and a Zoom link. Town Hall is at 60 Main Street, and the town’s contact number is 315-769-3588.

The workshop comes as the proposed 2027 town budget is expected to exceed New York’s 2% property-tax cap. Earlier budget information put the potential increase at about 14% for village residents and 16% for residents outside the village, pending final figures. Reported examples for a $90,000 home were increases of $82.80 in the village and $148.50 outside the village.

The budget pressures include state retirement debt connected to the 2020 sale of Massena Memorial Hospital and a small increase in the town’s tax base. The town also must maintain the airport with town funds under Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

A budget meeting and public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 4:30 p.m. The board is expected to adopt a final budget during its regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m. Meeting information is available through the Town of Massena Agenda Center.