Good and bad news characterized last Thursday’s Peru Town Board Meeting.
By John T Ryan
At the Thursday, January 25 town baord meeting Supervisor Brandy McDonald reported that the town received $329,465 in Clinton County Sales tax monies. The board included only $60,000 in its 2024 budget; therefore, $269,465 will be available for unanticipated 2024 expenses.
The bad news relates to mandated and desired wastewater treatment plant upgrades. McDonald stated that in the best-case scenario, financing the project would cost each sewer district household roughly $530 annually over the next 30 years. The town’s engineering firm, AES Northeast, made the $530 estimate. Since Thursday’s meeting, the Peru Gazette, has questioned McDonald regarding the $530 estimate. He admitted the cost per household will not be uniform. Many factors will also play a role, such as a property’s assessed value, contractors’ bids, and what upgrades the board decides to include in the project. The town will not levy any tax increase until contractors complete the project in 2026 or 2027.
AES Northeast’s best-case scenario is contingent on the USDA Rural Development Program (WEP) awarding Peru an $11 million hardship grant, which would pay 50% of the project cost and enable Peru to borrow the remainder at 0% over 30 years. McDonald said, “If we don’t get the $11 million grant, we’ll have to scale back the project as much as we can.” McDonald said AES Northeast thinks there’s a good chance that Peru will qualify. AES applied for a USDA WEP grant in 2023; however, one document did not reach USDA; hence, Peru did not qualify. Fortunately, USDA’s grants awarded in 2024 will pay 50% of a project’s cost, double last year’s 25%. Click here for a previous, more detailed Peru Gazette story
Other Water & Sewer Department News
The town’s large water tank on Cross Street needs painting inside and out. Water Superintendent Courtney Tetreault recommended that the board explore the financing required to complete that project, which will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Tetreault also recommended that the board qualify a second engineering firm to design and supervise future water-sewer projects. Tetrault didn’t say he’d like to replace AES Northeast. He said he would like to have additional options available.
Highway Department News
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and Deputy Superintendent Tyler Jarvis reported that town plow operators worked 24 consecutive hours during the January 24 snowstorm. Parts shortages have sidelined two plow trucks, and a third truck broke down Wednesday night; fortunately, personnel fixed it a few hours later. Covid also sidelined two personnel. Fortunately, parts for one truck should arrive soon, and the used truck the town purchased in Vermont should be in place by mid-February. Jarvis said highway department crews are doing their best to clean the roads.
Zoning/Planning/Codes News
In other news, Zoning/Codes Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said he anticipates resignations from the Planning Board. He asked the board and the Peru Gazette to publicize the need for volunteers.
Noting two recent severe home fires on River Road and Telegraph Road, Guynup said this is a good time for everyone to check their smoke detectors.
Guynup also reported that the Planning Board would like the board to invoke a moratorium on self-storage units. He did not give details. Supervisor McDonald said he would research the request before taking any action.
Posted: January 31st, 2024 under General News.