The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board conducted a Regular Meeting on February 23, 2026, following the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project Public Hearing. The board approved a resolution to move forward with the $9.4 million treatment plant project. Previously, the board applied for and received a $5 million NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC) Water Improvement grant. Thanks to residents responding to an income survey the board authorized, Peru qualified for a 30-year, 0% NYSEFC hardship loan. Nevertheless, $4.4 million of the $9.4 million project will have to be financed. The estimated annual cost per equivalent housing unit is $452.98 based on 822 housing units in the water district. The ultimate cost to the taxpayer will depend on their property’s assessed value. The Clinton County Health Department mandated that the water district improve water clarity/turbidity.

At a May 2024 public hearing, Barton and Loguidice engineer John Frazer Jr.  said that more severe storms have resulted in high turbidity over the past two decades, and many communities are experiencing the same issues. Barton and Loguidice recommended installing clarification equipment that will function before the existing filtration process. They also recommended drilling an on-site well. The plant’s new equipment will mix the well water with water from the existing reservoir. Frazer said the additional process would require more staffing once it’s online.

The Board awarded the Lyons Road culvert replacement project to Ed Garrow & Sons, the low bidder at $317,205. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell estimates that Lyons Road will be closed to traffic for approximately 30 days. He’s not sure when Garrow will begin construction.

Once the Telegraph Road culvert/bridge is replaced the town plans to transfer ownership to Clinton County because the County would assume future maintenance, guide rail and bridge replacement costs.  The county requires  that an engineer be on-site during the bridge’s construction to ensure it conforms to county requirements. At a previous meeting, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that an on-site inspector would cost $250,000. Farrell sought more quotes and at this meeting he informed the board that M J Engineering quoted $80,000 which the board voted to approve. Luck Brothers is expected to begin the project as soon as the weather permits.

Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis described the in-house truck maintenance work he and his staff are performing to keep expenses down. Recently, they replaced a truck’s front end, radiator, and water pump. Jarvis would like to purchase an engine analysis computer. He is researching the available equipment and the cost. Repairing equipment in-house is much less expensive than relying on dealer maintenance.

Peru Free Library member Rocky Divoll presented library statistical data to the board and reported, “The library is holding its own. Donations are down quite a bit. Our librarian Stacey Bousquet is doing a fabulous job. Everyone is invited to attend board meetings.”  Supervisor Craig Randall commented on the library’s excellent programs and how much the library adds to the quality of life in Peru. The town and school are the library’s primary revenue sources. Library board meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Click here to go to the library’s excellent website. 

At 6:43 p.m., the board adjourned to executive session to discuss potential litigation. Supervisor Craig Randall said he didn’t expect any actions to be taken following the executive session.