Potsdam board advances 2027 budget with higher tax rates
The Potsdam Town Board approved a preliminary 2027 budget that increases the general fund levy and is expected to raise the overall town tax rate, with a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 5.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Potsdam Town Board has approved a preliminary 2027 budget that would increase the general fund tax levy by about $120,000 and raise the overall town tax rate by 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
The town's official preliminary budget lists a general fund levy of $935,452.31 for 2027, compared with $815,058.28 for 2026. The general fund rate would rise from 82 cents to 95 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. General fund appropriations are set at $1,890,052.31, up from $1,852,258.28.
The total town rate is expected to increase from $2.62 to $2.82 per $1,000 of assessed value. A property assessed at $100,000 would carry about $282.32 in town taxes under the preliminary figures, compared with $262.10 in 2026.
The budget also calls for higher rates in the Unionville sewer and water districts. The sewer rate would increase from $4.41 to $5.68 per $1,000 of assessed value, while the water rate would rise from $4.16 to $4.93.
The preliminary budget follows earlier revisions. At an Oct. 13 meeting, the board considered a proposal with a roughly 25% general fund levy increase and a total town rate of $3.08 before tabling the resolution. The figures were reworked during the following two weeks.
The proposed rates affect town taxpayers differently. All town taxpayers pay the general fund and Highway DA rates, while fire district charges apply to residents of the respective districts. Unionville water and sewer district residents are subject to those district rates. The Village of Potsdam is a separate municipality with its own budget and tax bills.
The town's preliminary budget includes fire district contracts totaling $430,250, including $11,000 for Hannawa, $110,000 for Norwood, $167,500 for Potsdam and $141,750 for West Potsdam. The Highway DA budget is set at $1,349,828, with a proposed tax rate of $1.08 per $1,000, up from $1.04.
The public hearing will be held during the town's November meeting on Nov. 5. Residents can check the town calendar and the 2027 preliminary budget for updates and budget documents. The town lists its telephone number as 315-265-3430.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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