The Peru Gazette

“Run Back the Miracle” invited fans of Olympic hockey to relive the 1980 Miracle on Ice when the U.S. beat the Soviet Union in Lake Placid

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These audits did NOT include Peru, NY

Mattituck Fire District – Claims Audit (Suffolk County)

The board did not ensure that all nonpayroll disbursements were appropriate, adequately supported, audited and approved before claims were paid. Auditors determined that the board did not always perform a thorough and deliberate audit of claims before approving payments, and the treasurer paid claims that were never audited by the board. Auditors reviewed 135 claims totaling $194,478 and determined that the board should not have approved 90 claims totaling $125,562.

Town of Horseheads – Claims Auditing (Chemung County)

The board did not conduct a thorough audit of claims to ensure that individual claims contained supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements and town policies. Auditors reviewed 274 claims totaling $897,321 and 206 claim payments totaling $414,075 and determined that 61 claims totaling $473,309 were paid prior to the board’s audit.

North Creek Fire District – Board Oversight (Warren County)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of district financial activities related to budgeting, monthly financial reporting, bank reconciliations, annual financial reporting, annual audits and policy reviews. The board did not develop and adopt realistic budgets taking into consideration multiyear financial planning or ensure that the treasurer provided sufficient financial reports. The board also did not conduct an annual audit to provide oversight and ensure accuracy of records or ensure the treasurer filed required annual reports and failed to periodically review required policies including the district’s code of ethics, purchasing and investment policies.

Center Moriches Fire District – Fiscal Transparency (Suffolk County)

The board did not obtain annual audits in a timely manner or ensure the treasurer filed all annual financial reports (AFRs) with the State Comptroller’s office. Additionally, district officials had no record of the board ever using an RFP process to contract the CPA firm’s services for the annual audit or an engagement letter with the CPA firm detailing the services to be provided. As of Nov. 15, 2025, the treasurer has not filed the 2020 through 2024 fiscal year AFRs and the last filed AFR, for fiscal year 2019, was filed 122 days late.

Steuben County – Financial Management

County officials did not effectively manage the county’s fund balance. As a result, as of Dec. 31, 2024, the county maintained unrestricted fund balance in the general fund totaling $103.4 million (48% of the upcoming year’s budget) and in the road fund totaling $15.5 million (53% of the upcoming year’s budget). The legislature did not adopt an adequate fund balance policy or develop a comprehensive, written multiyear financial or capital plan. After initial audit discussions with county officials, the legislature updated its administrative code to add a maximum general fund balance goal to its fund balance policy and adopt a reserve fund policy. The legislature also created and funded new reserves in July 2025 to significantly reduce its unrestricted fund balance.

Colesville-Windsor Fire District – Board Oversight (Broome County)

The board did not provide adequate financial oversight. Specifically, the board did not review periodic financial reports to assess the district’s operations or conduct an annual audit of the secretary-treasurer’s records to verify that they properly recorded collections and disbursements and maintained current and accurate records and reports.

Cincinnatus Fire District – Board Oversight (Cortland County)

The board did not always properly safeguard assets. Although the board received sufficient monthly financial reports, monitored financial operations throughout the year and ensured that annual financial reports were filed in a timely manner, the board did not ensure that district assets were properly accounted for and safeguarded, including 19 assets totaling $33,009 that were not onsite. These assets included items such as computers, cameras and night vision goggles. Also, one board member did not complete the required fiscal oversight training within 270 days of taking office which, as of March 11, 2025, was 165 days past the deadline.

Ashville Fire District – Procurement and Board Oversight (Chautauqua County)

The board did not demonstrate that the purchase of equipment was done in accordance with state law, as well as provide proper oversight of equipment purchases. In addition, the board should have periodically reviewed and updated the district’s purchasing policy, but the board has not updated the policy since 2014. As a result, the board could have been more fiscally responsible by increasing competition and avoiding vendor overpayments that would have totaled $6,500 by ensuring vendor invoices agreed with contract terms. The board also could not demonstrate that it complied with competitive bidding requirements when purchasing two fire trucks, totaling $796,200, as required by law.

Morristown Fire District – Board Oversight (St. Lawrence County)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of district financial operations, and it did not always conduct a proper audit of claims prior to payment. Furthermore, the board did not ensure the secretary-treasurer filed required annual financial reports. The board also did not ensure the secretary-treasurer deposited district collections in a timely manner, performed monthly bank reconciliations and maintained accurate financial records and reports, or conducted an annual audit of the secretary-treasurer’s records. In addition, the board did not develop and adopt a procurement policy or investment policy or ensure claims were properly supported and audited and approved prior to payment.

Rotterdam Fire District Number 7 Schonowe – Claims Auditing (Schenectady County)

The board did not conduct a thorough and deliberate audit of all claims paid during the audit period. Auditors reviewed 79 claims totaling $941,015 and determined that none of the claims were audited and approved by the entire board, as required. In addition, the lack of a claims audit increased the risk that claims for improper purposes could be paid.

Follow Up Reports

Chenango Valley Central School District – Audit Follow-Up (Broome County)

This review assessed the Chenango Valley Central School District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Chenango Valley Central School District – Network User Accounts and Information Technology Contingency Planning, released in June 2023. The audit determined that district officials did not adequately manage network user accounts or develop and adopt an information technology (IT) contingency plan. To help district officials improve managing network user accounts and assist in adopting an IT contingency plan, the audit included a public report that contained three recommendations. The district’s IT Director, board and officials fully implemented one recommendation and partially implemented two recommendations.

City of Fulton – Audit Follow-Up (Oswego County)

This review was to assess the City of Fulton’s progress in implementing recommendations in City of Fulton – Capital Projects, released in February 2022. The audit determined that city officials did not appropriately maintain capital projects fund records, monitor project financial results against budgets and close out records for completed projects. The audit included 12 recommendations to help officials improve their controls over capital projects. The city has made minimal progress implementing corrective action. Of the 12 audit recommendations, one recommendation was fully implemented, two recommendations were partially implemented, and eight recommendations were not implemented. Auditors could not determine the implementation status for the remaining recommendation because certain capital projects records were unavailable or inadequate.

Gates Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Monroe County)

This review was to assess the Gates Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Gates Fire District – Board Oversight of Long-Term Planning, released in June 2024. The audit determined that the board and district officials did not properly plan for the district’s long-term financial and capital needs, which inhibited the board and officials from effectively managing finances and addressing future operating and capital needs. The audit included eight recommendations to help officials effectively manage finances and address future operating and capital needs. The district has implemented corrective action for all eight audit recommendations.

City of Mount Vernon – Audit Follow-Up (Westchester County)

This review was to assess the City of Mount Vernon’s progress, as of July/August 2025, in implementing recommendations in City of Mount Vernon – Financial Reporting and Oversight, released in September 2020. The audit determined that the city council and officials did not have adequate financial information for the effective management of operations and, as a result, the city lost its credit rating. The audit included 11 recommendations to help the board improve its oversight of the district’s financial activities. The city has implemented three recommendations, partially implemented four recommendations and not implemented four recommendations.

Monsey Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Rockland County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Monsey Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Monsey Fire District – Board Oversight released in July 2020. The audit determined that district officials did not provide adequate oversight to ensure district financial records and reports were prepared, filed and/or audited. The audit report contained three recommendations to help officials improve their controls over financial records and reports. The board implemented one recommendation, partially implemented one recommendation and did not implement one recommendation.

Montauk Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Suffolk County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Montauk Fire District’s progress in implementing  recommendations in Montauk Fire District – Board Oversight, released in December 2024. The audit determined that the board did not adequately monitor financial activities or ensure that appropriate records and reports were maintained and audited to comply with statutory requirements. To help the board monitor financial activities and ensure appropriate records and reports were maintained or audited to comply with statutory requirements, the audit contained four recommendations. The district has partially implemented all four recommendations.

Ridge Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Suffolk County)

This review was to assess the Ridge Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Ridge Fire District – Board Oversight of Treasurer’s Fiscal Duties, released in January 2022. The audit determined that district officials did not provide adequate oversight of the treasurer’s fiscal duties and could not explain why the bank balances presented on the treasurer’s reports for three consecutive months contained discrepancies totaling $2.96 million. The audit included three recommendations to help officials monitor and improve the district’s financial operations. The board partially implemented one recommendation and did not implement two recommendations.

Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Essex County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District – Board Oversight, released in April 2024. The audit determined that the board did not ensure required annual audits were completed and annual update documents were filed in a timely manner. To help the board improve its controls over monitored financial activity and ensure appropriate records and reports were maintained and filed in a timely manner, the audit report contained two recommendations. The district has partially implemented the audit’s two recommendations.

By John T Ryan 

The January 12, 2026, town board roll call included Town Clerk/Tax Collector Christine Crawford and Councilman Nick Crawford.  Supervisor Crag Randall and fellow board members welcomed them, with Councilman Kregg Bruno pointing out that there are two state wrestling champions on the board, referring to Nick Weaver and himself.  

Cody Douglass, representing the Clinton County Health Department, and Abby Bruzas, representing Casella Waste Systems, told the board that Peru residents and nearby communities will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot food waste collection program. Its goal is to extend the Clinton County Landfill’s useful life, process waste for use by residents, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted by landfills. Douglas said our nation historically wastes an estimated 40% of its food, with average Americans accounting for one-half of that, not commercial users.  The program will kick off on February 3 at the highway garage. People coming will receive a ventilated 2-gallon compost bucket with instructions and will see the collection container at the highway garage.  Participants will also be given a combination for the lock securing the collection container.  Food and beverages will also be served, and a raffle will be held.  People who are unable to attend will be able to pick up the buckets at Peru Town Hall. 

Town Justice Scott Thurber, accompanied by Justice Sarah Mitchell, informed the board that Tuesday traffic court proceeding will begin at 5 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. Thurber said the change will enable more people to appear in court should they want to do so. The new hours should be more convenient for people to appear in court.  Thursday and Friday court hours are also changing to offer better service.  Sarah Mitchell commented that the newly installed security system is working well and is appreciated, especially by the district attorney and court personnel. 

New Peru Town Court Hours: 

Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays – 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The town  continues to follow the culvert replacement schedule that Supervisor Craig Randall requested and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell formulated. The board approved advertising for bids for the Lyons Road Culvert Replacement Project. Bid opening for the long-awaited Telegraph Dry Mill Brook project will take place on January 21 at 11 a.m. 

The town is compensating Confidential Secretary Pam Barber for the many extra hours she worked in 2025, to the point that she could not take her earned vacation time. She will be paid $2618.24 for 94 hours of work. Supervisor Randall brought the matter to the board’s attention, stating that the town’s ongoing projects created much additional work for Barber. 

The Youth Commission is losing a six-year member, Krista Bull. The board accepted Bull’s resignation effective January 11. Bull has served as Commission Secretary and on the Sponsorship and Softball/Baseball Committees. In a note accompanying her resignation, Bull thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and said she was stepping down due to family responsibilities as her children move into middle school and high school sports and activities. Supervisor Randall praised Krista for her commitment, as did Youth Director Kristine Marino, who stated, “We are going to miss Krista Bull greatly. She has been an immense help!”

Both the highway and water and sewer departments have faced challenges from recent snowstorms and three water line breaks during very cold weather.   Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis commented, “Mike and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off for a couple of days.” Nevertheless, they got the job done. Courtney Tetreault  reported that contractors at the water treatment plant project are working through the winter weather and making good progress. His department also has an opening for a maintenance position. Engineers completed their water treatment plant study and submitted it to the state and county health departments.

Historian Helen Nerska reported that she should be posting a new History Chat soon and that she is working on America 250 planning.  

Youth Director Kristen Marino said that the seven-team basketball program is underway and there’s good cooperation with the school district. She’ s already thinking ahead to next summer’s activities. One person has reached out to her regarding the open Youth Commission position. 

Your reporter asked three questions during the public portion of the meeting: 

What is the status of the three current job openings:  Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), Secretary to the Code Enforcement Officer, and DeputyTown Clerk/Tax Collector? Supervisor Randall said interviews have been conducted for the CEO positions and the town is awaiting background checks before making the appointments official.  No action has been taken on the Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector position. 

Would the board provide me with copies of the meeting resolutions at the meeting? Pam Barber said that not everyone is entitled to see the backup materials the board receives. Supervisor Randall said he and Pam would take the matter up with Town Attorney Matt Favro. 

When the board calls an executive session, especially on personnel issues, would the board reveal which department is affected?  Pam Barber said they could check with the Association of Towns, but she doesn’t think more information on personnel issues should be disclosed. Supervisor Randall feels the current practice is correct. Your reporter disagrees, believing the public has a right to know if a specific department has a significant personnel issues.  

In other actions, the board approved payments related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project: Payment #6 to Murnane Construction, $446,689.37; Payment #6 to Danforth Construction, $209,638.40; Payment #5 to Triangle Electric, $10,418.65; and a Murnane Construction Work Change Directive in the amount of $10,418.65. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.

Free home collection containers available at the event 

Jan. 20, 2026 – The Town of Peru is excited to announce the Tuesday, February 3, 11 a.m. grand opening of Clinton County’s third municipal-level food waste collection program. This program, established in collaboration with the Clinton County Health Department’s Eat Smart, Waste Less program and Casella Waste Systems, will provide residents with a community food scrap collection location. The Town of Peru and other nearby residents will be able to register for this program at the town office and have access to the community food scrap collection bin. This bin will be located at 9 Cross Street, at the Peru Highway Department. The food scraps collected at the site will be processed at Casella’s organics recycling facility based in Schuyler Falls, NY. The three-month pilot program is being made available by Casella at no cost to the Town of Peru or residents.

The grand opening at the Peru Highway Garage is free to attend. Families, community members, and local organizations are invited to celebrate this landmark program to repurpose food waste in Clinton County. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the first smart-access food scrap collection bin in Clinton County. Two-gallon home collection containers will be available to people who register for the program. A free raffle will be conducted.

In the future people can register and pick up a collection bucket at the Peru Town Hall. 

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Station, tracking a range of compounds in the clouds 

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More details expected in executive budget proposal

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The MLK Jr. Singers created a joyous atmosphere for today’s Martin Luther Kings Day celebration at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh. The ceremony’s theme was Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Non-Violent Way.

Click here for the Peru Gazette’s YouTube video. 

A look at the financial results following the fall’s downhill mountain bike races in Lake Placid

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Stewart’s Shops president Chad Kiesow is working shifts at our Pine Bush and Haines Falls shops this month to thank our partners for their hard work and our customers for their generosity during a successful Holiday Match season.

“There is no better way to get an appreciation for how hard our partners work than to jump behind the counter and join them,” Kiesow said. “This also is a great opportunity to talk to customers and let them know how much we appreciate their support.”

Stewart’s just wrapped up our 40^th annual Holiday Match season, raising more than $1.8 million to support local children’s charities.

Our generous customers donated more than $900,000, and Stewart’s doubled every donation.

To help celebrate Holiday Match, Kiesow worked a shift on Monday, January 19^th at the Pine Bush Stewart’s. Holiday Match collections at the Pine Bush shop grew by more than 139% compared to a year ago.

On January 26^th, Kiesow plans to work a shift at our Haines Falls shop, which collected more than $8,600 during this Holiday Match season. That means our Haines Falls customers raised $17,200 for local children’s charities when you factor in the Stewart’s match.

Since Holiday Match began in 1986, the campaign has raised more than $41 million to support organizations focused on improving the lives of children.

Nonprofits with programs benefitting children are encouraged to apply for Holiday Match funds prior to the January 31^stdeadline.

Shepherd’s Pie 

Fruit 

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!

New regulations aim to protect rare brook trout populations

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State regulators ignored FBI evidence of horse drug purchases for years. That was a “huge failing,” a key assemblymember said.

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State tax receipts totaled $85.8 billion through three quarters of the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26, $2.3 billion higher than estimates released in the Division of Budget’s (DOB) Mid-Year Update to the Enacted Budget Financial Plan. On a year-over-year basis, collections were $5.9 billion higher than those through December 2024, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The state enters the final quarter of the fiscal year in good financial condition,” DiNapoli said. “However, continued threats from Washington pose a risk to the state’s finances, as well as its economy. The federal spending cuts necessitate a continued bolstering of reserves in order to protect the services New Yorkers rely on.”

Personal income tax receipts totaled $44.9 billion and were $1.5 billion above DOB’s financial plan projections and $4.2 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2024-25, reflecting, in part, the impact of wage and financial market growth over the course of the year.

Year-to-date consumption and use tax collections totaled $17.9 billion which were 5.7%, or $964.4 million, higher than the same period last year and $384.4 million higher than DOB estimates.  Sales tax receipts, the largest share of these taxes, increased by $951.7 million, or 6.2%. Business taxes, which include collections from the pass-through entity tax, totaled $20.6 billion, $416.4 million higher than through December than in the prior fiscal year and $321.8 million higher than DOB’s financial plan projections.

All Funds spending through December totaled $183.4 billion, which was $11.1 billion, or 6.5%, higher than last year for the same period, primarily due to increased Medicaid and other public health costs. All Funds spending through December was $1.2 billion higher than DOB projections, primarily due to higher local assistance spending partially offset by lower than anticipated spending from state capital projects funds. State Operating Funds spending totaled $100.1 billion, $9.1 billion, or 10% higher than last year and $401.2 million higher than projected.

The state’s General Fund ended December with a balance of $53.9 billion, $2.4 billion higher than projected, primarily due to higher than anticipated tax collections but down by $1.3 billion, or 2.3% from the previous year.

Report

December Cash Report

Related Report

State Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget and  First Quarterly Financial Plans 

Equipment installation delayed on two new trucks

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