The Peru Gazette

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Mac’n Cheese/Ham

Vegetable 

Bread

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

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By John T. Ryan

Rising infrastructure costs, mounting debt, and the need to expand Peru’s tax base highlighted the Town Board’s November 5 public hearing on its preliminary 2027 budget.

Supervisor Craig Randall outlined the five town budgets (General, Highway, Water, Sewer, Valcour Sewer), explaining that although some individual budgets are decreasing, the town faces significant financial challenges from road and bridge projects, wastewater improvements, and an anticipated drinking water system upgrade.

Final Budget Meeting November 19

Randall said the preliminary budget will undergo additional adjustments, particularly as more information becomes available about sales tax revenues. The Town Board plans to consider the final budget at a special meeting Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m.  Randall emphasized that even after all adjustments, the budget will exceed the State’s 2% tax cap. 

General Fund Tax Levy to Increase

The preliminary General Fund budget is about $11,682 higher than this year’s budget, but the tax levy is expected to increase by about $224,000.

Randall attributed much of the increase to lower-than-expected sales tax revenue. The town received approximately $166,656 in 2026, compared with the budgeted $225,000. The preliminary 2027 budget estimates only $125,000. The town is also reducing its planned use of General Fund balances from $200,000 to $100,000.

The projected tax rate is $1.91 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, compared with $1.69 last year.

Randall said credit rating agencies have expressed concern about the town’s growing debt and reliance on fund balances. The town’s credit rating affects the interest rates it pays when borrowing money.

Highway and Infrastructure Debt

The proposed Highway Fund budget is approximately $2.269 million, down about $45,000. Nevertheless, the highway tax levy is projected to increase approximately 1.8%, primarily because of debt associated with recent road, culvert, and bridge projects.

Two bond anticipation notes totaling approximately $7.3 million are expected to be combined into a single 30-year bond in 2027.

Water and Sewer Projects Bring Future Expenses

The sewer budget is projected to decrease by approximately $47,000. However, beginning in 2028, the town will face annual debt payments for its wastewater treatment plant project. A state grant will fund 50% of the project, while the town’s approximately $8 million share will be financed through a 30-year, interest-free loan. The new facility is expected to become operational around December.

The town is also planning a $9.4 million drinking water improvement project to address turbidity problems with its existing surface-water supply. The proposed improvements include a supplemental groundwater source and filtration upgrades. The town anticipates a $5 million state grant, with the remaining $4.4 million potentially financed through a 30-year interest-free loan.

Randall noted that future debt payments could significantly affect water rates. The water system serves approximately 800 customers, while the sewer system serves about 600.

Town Seeks to Expand Housing Opportunities

Randall said expanding Peru’s tax base will be important in managing future expenses. The town wants to encourage additional housing, particularly for young families and seniors seeking one-story homes.

Attracting young families would benefit the school district, while additional senior housing could allow longtime residents to remain in Peru and make their existing homes available to younger families. Randall also discussed pursuing grants for municipal improvements and community projects.

Other Hearing Topics

School Board President Bonnie Barry was the only member of the public to attend the meeting. Barry and board members discussed concerns about electric bicycles and scooters being operated dangerously on town roads, trails, and park property.

Randall suggested additional safety education and cooperation with the school district and Clinton County Sheriff’s Department. Barry also expressed interest in greater cooperation among the Town Board, School Board, and Fire Department on long-term community planning.

Editor’s Note – The Gazette recorded this meeting, asked ChatGPT to summarize it and write a news story based on its summary.  Your editor reviewed ChatGPT story, made a few corrections and added clarifying information.

2027 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

Click here for the Peru Gazette’s meeting video 

Hochul’s big margins, Democrats’ statewide gains, and half a billion dollars spent.

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“I can be tough, I can instill discipline, but I will also go to bat for my people.”

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Free Holiday Celebration November 28–29 Features Santa, Family Activities, Handmade Christmas Decorations, and a Magical Lighted Trail

SCHUYLER FALLS, NY, November 6, 2026 –  — The magic of Christmas is coming to Schuyler Falls! Kickin’ Up Dust invites the North Country community to celebrate the season at its Kissing Ball Christmas Charity Event and grand opening of the Northern Lights Holiday Trail, November 28–29, 2026, at 362 Peasleeville Road in Schuyler Falls.

This festive, family-friendly celebration will feature Santa, farm animals, Christmas activities, holiday shopping, and a dazzling trail of Christmas lights. Admission is FREE, with donations welcome and appreciated to benefit Thera-Pets.

Saturday, November 28 — Christmas Fun for Everyone!

The main charity event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring visits with Santa and his holiday friends from 1–3 p.m., pony rides for small children from noon–1 p.m., farm animals, crafts, ornament making, letters to Santa, games, a bounce house, holiday movies, hot chocolate, snacks, and more!

Santa will also have gifts for the children! Raffle items will be available, along with handmade Christmas decorations and gifts for purchase.

At 5 p.m., a special Christmas tree lighting will kick off the grand opening of the Northern Lights Holiday Trail, which will remain open until 8 p.m.

The approximately quarter-mile trail features colorful holiday displays along flat terrain and is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible outhouse available.

Saturday evening is WALKING ONLY. No vehicles will be permitted on the trail.

Sunday, November 29 — More Holiday Cheer!

The farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with animal visits, barn activities, holiday shopping, and Christmas fun. Santa will make a special appearance from 1–2 p.m. Other holiday characters will not be appearing Sunday.

From 5–8 p.m., the Northern Lights Holiday Trail will be open for vehicle drive-throughs and train rides only. No walkers permitted.

Northern Lights Holiday Trail Continues Through January 2

The Northern Lights Holiday Trail will be open every Friday and Saturday from 5–8 p.m. through January 2, 2027, for WALKERS ONLY.

Special Sunday Drive-Through Nights:

• November 29 — 5–8 p.m.
• December 13 — 5–8 p.m.
• December 27 — 5–8 p.m.

Sunday evenings are for vehicle drive-throughs and train rides ONLY. No walkers allowed. Read more »

Left to Right: Steve Leffler, Bob Ortmyer, Sen. Dan Stec, Assemblyman Matt Simpson

Joint legislative resolution recognizes a century of care in Essex County 

Elizabethtown, NY, November 6, 2026 –  – One hundred years ago, a small community hospital opened its doors in Elizabethtown with a simple mission: care for neighbors close to home. This week, that legacy was formally recognized by the New York State Legislature.

Leaders, employees, board members and community partners gathered at University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital as New York State Senator Dan Stec, R-45^th District, and New York State Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-114^th District, presented a Joint Legislative Resolution commemorating the hospital’s first 100 years of service to the people of Essex County and the Adirondack region.

The resolution recognizes Elizabethtown Community Hospital’s century-long commitment to providing care, responding to community needs and improving the health and well-being of residents.

Founded in 1926 as the Community House Hospital, ECH has evolved Read more »

Grand Isle, VT, November 6, 2026 – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, seeks proposals for projects that will build capacity and long-term effectiveness for watershed organizations working in the Lake Champlain basin.

Funding is intended to assist organizations in the early stages of development or support established organizations in increasing capacity to achieve their mission.

Activities supported with grant funding can include purchasing software or office supplies, strategic planning, or training and professional development for staff, board members, or volunteers.

Approximately $275,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects and grants up to $20,000 will be awarded.

“This unique funding opportunity allows us to support watershed organizations whose local expertise and boots-on-the-ground efforts are making a difference for our waters, ecosystems, and communities,” said Mitzi Johnson, NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs.

Awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org).

This grant opportunities are supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through awards to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

An informational webinar will be offered on December 3, 2026, and proposals are due on January 7, 2027. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in March 2027.

Additional funding opportunities are forthcoming and will be announced once available.

More information, including webinar registration, grant guidelines, and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants

Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, November 10th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Sports Merger (Girls Varsity Wrestling)

• Independent Audit Report

• Personnel Appointments

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perucsd.org).

Local Cops, Local Crimes Act Prohibits Local Jails from Housing Civil Immigration Detainees Starting November 25

November 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT) sent a letter to county executives and sheriffs across New York State providing them with guidance about their legal obligation to end any agreement to house or detain people for federal civil immigration violations by November 25, 2026. Under the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, passed by the New York legislature and signed by Governor Hochul in May, local governments are prohibited from housing civil immigration detainees in local correctional facilities on behalf of federal immigration authorities, and have until November 25 to unwind those agreements. Read more »

An unforgettable nighttime experience brings nature, imagination, and festive lights together in one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic destinations.

AUSABLE CHASM, NY – This winter, one of the Adirondacks’ most treasured natural attractions is preparing to shine in an entirely new way. Ausable Chasm is proud to announce the Ausable Chasm Festival of Lights, a magical outdoor experience celebrating nature, light, and the beauty of the Adirondack winter, beginning November 19, 2026, and continuing through January 10, 2027.

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm has welcomed visitors since 1870. Now, this historic destination is introducing a completely different way to experience its dramatic natural surroundings after sunset, beneath a canopy of sparkling lights.

See the Chasm in a Whole New Light
The Festival of Lights is a self-guided outdoor walking experience that transforms a half-mile stretch of the Chasm’s wooded trails into four uniquely illuminated worlds, each featuring its own atmosphere, colors, and creative lighting displays.

Beginning at the Ausable Chasm Welcome Center, guests embark on an evening journey across the historic Route 9 Bridge to the Gatehouse, where the illuminated adventure unfolds.

Along the way, visitors will encounter four imaginative themed environments:

• It’s Snowing — A whimsical winter wonderland filled with brilliant white lights, oversized snowflakes, and glowing blue accents.
• The Inferno — A dramatic landscape of fiery reds, oranges, and golden light illuminating the surrounding forest.
• Dark Filament Forest — An imaginative world of vibrant colors and glowing elements that transform the darkness into an extraordinary visual experience.
• It’s Raining — A dazzling illuminated environment inspired by the movement and beauty of falling rain.

And the magic doesn’t stop with the four immersive worlds! Guests will also witness some of Ausable Chasm’s most iconic landmarks transformed by festive illumination. Rainbow Falls will be bathed in a dramatic wall of light, while the Rainbow Falls Bridge will shine with dazzling lights. Elephant’s Head and the Upper Chasm’s spectacular “Stairway to Heaven” will complete the experience, offering breathtaking views of familiar landmarks in an entirely new way.

More Than Just a Walk Through the Lights
The Festival of Lights is designed to be a celebration of the winter season and an opportunity for families and friends to create lasting memories together.

Guests can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Winter Village, warm up with hot chocolate, and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Carolers will also be featured on select evenings, adding another dimension to this special winter experience.

Ausable Chasm would also like to recognize our community partners, Clowney Electric, for its exceptional work and dedication in completing the electrical improvements that helped bring the festival to life, and NYSEG, for its cooperation in providing access to the property necessary to illuminate the iconic Rainbow Falls.

Festival Dates, Hours & Admission
Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Operating Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with an expanded Christmas week schedule. During Christmas week (December 21–27), the festival will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Hours: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Last Ticketed Entry: 7:30 PM

Holiday Closures:

• Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026
• Christmas Eve — Thursday, December 24, 2026
• Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026
• New Year’s Day — Friday, January 1, 2027

Admission:

• Adults (ages 13 and older): $19.95
• Children (ages 4–12): $14.95
• Children ages 3 and under: FREE

Advance online ticket purchases are strongly recommended, as ticket availability is limited. A limited number of tickets may be available at the Welcome Center, but walk-up admission cannot be guaranteed.

A New Adirondack Winter Experience
With a combination of spectacular lighting, imaginative themed environments, and the remarkable natural setting of Ausable Chasm, the Festival of Lights aims to bring a new seasonal experience to the Adirondack region.

The Festival of Lights is an outdoor winter walking experience along natural terrain. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and wear appropriate winter footwear with good traction.

Ausable Chasm – Festival of Lights
2144 US Route 9
Ausable Chasm, NY 12911

Tickets and information: https://www.ausablechasm.com/winter-lights-festival

For updates, entertainment schedules, and weather-related announcements, visit the website or follow Ausable Chasm on Facebook and Instagram.

Free Fishing Day is One of Many Ways New York State Recognizes and Assists Veterans and Active-Duty Military in Connecting to the Outdoors

November 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York will honor veterans on the year’s seventh and final Free Fishing Day of 2026 on Wednesday, November 11. During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters, offering the perfect opportunity for beginners to try out the sport for the first time or for skilled anglers to bring along friends and family to experience New York’s fisheries.

“I encourage New Yorkers to Get Offline and Get Outside on the last free fishing day of the year to enjoy affordable outdoor recreation and honor the veterans who have defended our freedom,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, introduce someone new to fishing and enjoy New York’s world-class fisheries.”

Fishing action can still be plentiful in the late fall and early winter months around the state. New York’s Great Lakes tributaries offer opportunities to catch steelhead and brown trout. Catch and release fishing season for trout in inland streams can be found across the state, while the bite for tiger muskellunge, muskellunge and pike can also pick up this time of year. (As a reminder, muskellunge season closes on 11/30 for inland waters and 12/15 for Great Lakes waters.) If fishing in western or central New York, check out the weekly fishing hotline reports to get the latest information on what’s biting.

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO)

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for Regular Meeting of October 15, 2026 and Regular Meeting of October 26, 2026.

6. Community Input.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Resolution to Turn over Ownership of Telegraph Rd Culvert/Bridge to Clinton Co. Hwy. Dept.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Application to Continue Junkyard Operations on Conners Rd.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Rescind and Approve Garret Mastic’s Seven year Term on Planning Board, Seat #1

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Luck Bros., Inc. Final Pay App. #3 Telegraph Rd Culvert Project.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #14 for Peru WWTP.

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Systems Pay App. #16 for Peru WWTP.

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Bldg. Contractors Pay App. #16 for Peru WWTP 

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Systems Pay App. #11 for Peru WWTP PROJECT

15. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Ed Garrow & Sons. Final Pay App. #2 Final for Lyons Rd. Culvert/Bridge Project.

16. DISCUSSION: Barton & Loguidice Monthly Report on Peru Water Project. 

17. DISCUSSION: AES Northeast Meeting Report on Peru Wastewater Project.

18. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.

19. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.

20. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

21. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay November 2026 Bills.

22. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

23. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.          

24. 28. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

As previously posted, the Town of Peru Public Hearing on the 2027 Budget is this afternoon, Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 5 PM

 2027 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

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Planning Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 12^th, 2026 

Call to Order at 6:01 PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of June 10^th, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Comments: Garrett Mastic shared with the Board the minutes from the last meeting.

Mr. Mastic asked if the other Board Members had any changes, correction, deletions or additions. The Board Members did not have any suggestions on this matter.

Motion: Peter Stone made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Garrett Mastic and the motion carried with 6 votes.

Roll Call: Garret Mastic, Chair – Y; Peter Stone, Vice Chair – Y; Daniel Hamilton – Y; Robert LePage – Y; Jerry McGovern – Y; Alison Webbinaro, Alt. – Y

Open Floor to Public Hearing

There was no public comment at this time.

Applications: Read more »

1. File # Z-2026-111 – Area Variance – Myles Tallada at 771 Bear Swamp Road – Parcel ID# 280.-1-28.2 – Requesting to remove an existing 10’X10′ shed and replace with a new 14’X30′ shed that will encroach 10 ft. into the required 15 ft. side yard setback with only 5 ft. provided.

Read more »