The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

The Peru Town Board anticipates a 2027 tax levy that will exceed the NYS-imposed 2% tax levy limit. Supervisor Craig Randall stated, “We exceeded the tax levy limit in 2026. I do not see an opportunity to stay under that cap in the coming year. There’s a lot of pressure on us. The cost of everything is going up.” Randall mentioned the increased cost of rock salt, fuel oil, and energy, which far exceeds the state’s 2% levy limit. Costs related to the culvert replacement projects also play a role. 

The board scheduled the mandated public hearing for Tuesday, September 28 at 5:45 p.m., when it will introduce a Local Law #2 to permit a tax levy limit override. The public will have the opportunity to voice comments for or against the law. On November 5, when board presents the Preliminary Budget, the public can also ask questions and make comments. The board scheduled budget workshops for 9/15 (Salaries), 9/22 (Highway), 9/24 (General), and 9/29 (Water, Sewer, and Valcour).  All workshops are at 5:30 p.m. 

Acting on a recommendation from its engineers, the board rejected the one bid received to replace the Wescott Road Bridge. The town will re-advertise for bids in early 2027 when more contractors may be looking for projects. 

Supervisor Craig Randall said the town successfully placed a short-term $3 million bond anticipation note at a 4.25% interest rate related to the Fuller Road culvert replacement, ongoing work at the Telegraph Road culvert, and an existing $700,000 short-term note. Long-term 30-year bonds will ultimately replace the short-term financing. 

The board tabled a resolution calling for call-out compensation for Code Enforcement Officer Duane Bibeau. Supervisor Randall said call-outs outside normal duty hours are infrequent. For example, declaring a structure uninhabitable after a fire could result in a call-out. Sometimes, for a family to receive community services, their home must be declared unsafe for occupancy. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the board he would redo the Highway Department’s 2027 budget because salt prices have increased. Salt will cost the town $117.95 per ton, up from $87.97 per ton last year, a 34% increase. There was some good news. Clinton County awarded the Highway Department a $3,000 salt reduction grant. Farrell is ordering a 300-gallon salt-free solution sprayer for small parking lots, such as the town hall and the wastewater treatment plant. 

Code Enforcement Duane Bibeau reported a busy August, including issuing 32 Certificates of Compliance, completing 71 inspections, and spending 20% of his time on the Valcour Marina project. 

The NYS Department of Transportation approved a request to reduce the speed limit on Fox Farm Road from unposted 55 MPH to 45 MPH.  Appropriate signs will be erected. 

Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos has been working with an individual who has more dogs than they can safely care for. He said seven dogs need new homes. One dog is under quarantine because of parvovirus.

Board member Kregg Bruno complimented the Water, Sewer and Parks Department for repairing damage e-bikes caused to the Town Walking Trail.  The board discussed e-bike concerns voiced by residents. Councilman Melvin Irwin said it’s an issue county-wide and state-wide. The town has no law enforcement officer, making it even more challenging. 

Historian Helen Nerska said her office conducted a History Chat with the Paul Calkins family. On Wednesday, September 16, she’s scheduled to talk about the Quaker Union at the Anderson Falls Museum in Keeseville. She has a display at the Applefest on Saturday, September 19, and the Peru Town Market on Sunday, September 20. On Monday, September 28, she’ll travel to Utica for the Conference of Public Historians meeting, where she will talk about Clinton County and Peru’s America 250 Celebration. She’ll be emphasizing the Battle of Valcour’s important role in the American Revolution. 

Board member Melvin Irwin reported that artist Greg Badger finished the last of the paintings at the Heyworth Mason Park stone building.  Irwin installed the paintings. Badger also repaired and recoated one of the older paintings.  

The board appointed Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. Swan has been serving temporarily under a prior resolution, which the board rescinded at this meeting. Swan also serves as secretary in the Code Enforcement Office. 

The board approved payments to Triangle Electrical System, John W. Danforth Systems, Murnane Building Contractors, and K & L Plumbing for ongoing contract project work at the wastewater treatment plant project. It also approved payment #2 to Luck Bros. Inc. for the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook Culvert Project and to Ed Garrow & Sons Inc. for the Lyons Road culvert replacement. 

Note – The Peru Gazette did not video the last 10 minutes of this meeting because of a full memory card. The above story covers all the meeting highlights.  Click here to view the video