The Peru Gazette

Source: 1814 Commemoration Inc. | Home

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today said that state tax receipts are $3.2 billion lower than last year, as he released the State Cash Report for August. DiNapoli noted state tax receipts of $4.3 billion in August were $309.3 million above the latest projections by the state Division of Budget (DOB), but $219.1 million below collections in August 2019.

“Tax revenues continue to fall short of levels needed to fund education, health care and other vital services in this year’s budget,” DiNapoli said. “The revenue hole the pandemic created is getting deeper. Unless Washington acts to provide further fiscal relief for New York, painful budget decisions lie ahead.”

Other key numbers in the report:

• Personal income tax (PIT) collections totaled $2.7 billion in August, $157 million higher than anticipated, but $185.5 million, or 6.4 percent, lower than last year. Year to date collections were $1.6 billion, or 6.7 percent, lower than last year.
• Sales tax receipts totaled $5.1 billion through August, $1.3 billion, or 20.2 percent, lower than last year. August sales tax receipts were $97.2 million, or 7.8 percent, below those a year earlier.
• All Funds spending through August totaled $64.3 billion, down $2.5 billion, or 3.8 percent, from the previous year. Spending was $2.1 billion below the latest projections, primarily in local assistance grants ($1.4 billion below projections and $1.9 billion below last year). State operations spending was $369 million below projections through August.
• The General Fund ended the month with a balance of $13.5 billion, $972.7 million higher than projected and $6.6 billion higher than August 2019. This is partly due to $4.5 billion in short-term borrowing proceeds and delays in certain payments to local governments and other entities.

August Cash Report

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“For months on end, nursing home residents, their families, and staff have made immense sacrifices to keep their facilities, and the community at large, safe. While safety remains our number one priority, the impact of being unable to reunite families due to the nearly unattainable guidelines set forth by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) perpetuated mounting frustration among family members and nursing home staff, while simultaneously impacting the overall well-being of residents,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “Today’s announcement by Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to have a facility COVID-19 free for 14 days, modified from 28 days, is welcomed news for the thousands of North Country residents who have been longing to safely visit their loved ones and unable to do so based on this guideline. I have been advocating with families and facilities that we can reunite residents with their loved ones safely, and I am relieved that our voices were heard.”

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“Reinstating the 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum right in the middle of a pandemic was an ill-advised course of action. As the Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Committee on the Council of State Government’s East, I introduced a resolution that was unanimously passed to rescind this decision which we knew would have detrimental effects not only on our regional economy but on our overall economic relationship with Canada,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) The United States’ decision to reverse course on these imposed tariffs is most certainly welcomed news as the North Country regional economy relies greatly on our relationship with Canada. I welcome the continued progress that the North Country Chamber of Commerce has made in bringing in new businesses to the manufacturing cluster, here in the North Country, and I am hopeful this decision will only further their efforts.”

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Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, August 24, 2020, at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer and Mr. John Flynn; Youth Director.

The meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Irwin seconded by Mr. Bruno to accept the minutes from the August 10, 2020 Regular Meeting.

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Douglass to add 4A to agenda-Community Input

Ayes 5 Nays 0                                                                                                Motion Carried

Community Input

Mr. Ryan asked the difference of grants versus loans- Mr. McDonald stated many factors were involved. The main factor is income level for each community. The process of obtaining grants is not clean cut.

Mr. Ryan also asked for a Washington Street update. Mr. Guynup stated the situation is in the hands of Mr. Sawyer (developer) as a full build-out addition needs to be done for the retention basin. Read more »

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The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM.  The main focus of the meeting is to discuss the fall sports season.  Due to current COVID-19 conditions, the meeting will be held remotely via Google Meet.  The public may view the meeting live at https://youtu.be/FQP4nMuR3LY.  The meeting will also be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The full agenda will be available on the District’s website.