Massena budget planning faces pressure from flat taxable value
Massena officials are beginning budget work as the town addresses a largely unchanged taxable assessed value, job losses and the possible effect of future development decisions.
Massena’s preliminary budget process is underway as town officials address a taxable assessed value that has changed little over the past decade, along with job losses and rising costs. Deputy Town Supervisor Sam Carbone said the town’s assessed value increased from $539,440,150 in 2017 to $541,790,590 in 2026, a 0.44% increase over 10 years.
Carbone said the North Country Colocations Services facility at the former Alcoa East site is assessed at $24 million and contributes about $160,000 annually to the town. He said losing that facility would leave the town’s taxable assessed value below pre-2007 levels. The town is also considering development at the site, while the project has drawn opposition from residents.
The town’s budget choices include raising taxes or reducing services, Carbone said. He called for additional development, jobs and investment to expand the tax base and reduce pressure on families and existing taxpayers.
This story was written from a community submission and reviewed by a ClickNNY editor before publication.