The Peru Gazette

Peru town Board Special Meeting: Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to adopt the 2026 Final Budget.

By John T Ryan

Peru –  The November 10 Peru Town Board Meeting began with a moment of silence to honor Town Justice James Kirby, who passed away on October 29 at age 68.  Town Supervisor Craig Randall stated, “Jim served the Town of Peru faithfully for what was almost four full terms of office, almost 16 years. I want to take a moment of silence and wish his family the best that anyone could have under those circumstances. Just a moment of silence, please.”

Town employees will have a new health plan in 2026 (13 current employees participate). Supervisor Randall explained that the premiums for the current MVP plan would increase significantly (17% or more depending on the plan). He said Northern Insuring is offering an Excellus plan that some nearby towns like. Employee premiums are considerably lower than the current plan, and there are no deductibles or co-pays. The town will fund a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) of $8,500 for single coverage and $17,000 for family coverage. HRA funds not spent in one year will roll over to the following year, potentially reducing the town’s future HRA contribution. The town also pays 80% of the premium costs. The town budgeted $284,000 for health insurance for current and retired employees.

The Board approved Judy Akey’s resignation as Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector offered on November 6, 2025 and effective December 22, 2025.  Mrs. Akey will continue in the bookkeeper position. Outgoing Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller said Akey’s resignation was a “shocker” and that she did not learn of Judy Akey’s plans until the agenda was published. She said, ‘I told her I respect where she’s coming from. She and I made a great team. She can bow out. I can bow out. I’ll be on my own for nine days. I think I can handle it. It will all work out and Christine will be able to pick her own deputy after the organizational meeting….” (33:15 to 35:30 minute mark of the Peru Gazette meeting video.)

Town Justice Scott Thurber explained that the town court would like to apply for a Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) grant for up to $5,000. The grant would fund safety and security equipment during the court’s 1st Tuesday sessions or whenever there’s potential for unruly behavior that the court has experienced. Thurber said, “It makes the environment better for everybody.” The board authorized the town court to apply for the grant. 

Following the meeting, Thurber told the Gazette that the device would be similar to those used at airports and county courtrooms. If an alarm sounds, a security officer would perform a wand scan of the individual in question. Thurber said he believes hiring a local security firm will be on the town board’s agenda at its next meeting.

Justice Thurber also reported that on October 22, the NYS Office of Court Administration recognized Peru’s Chief Court Clerk, Holly Stone, for 25 years of service.  Thurber said, “That’s a huge milestone. She’s irreplaceable. She’s great! She’s very knowledgeable. She helps me, the entire staff, and the public.”

At Supervisor Randall’s request, the Board authorized hiring accountants Telling and Hillman, PC, for a complete audit of town finances for the period ending 12/31/25. The cost will be $20,000. Randall told the Gazette that it’s been many years since the town underwent a complete audit and that this is the appropriate time.

The Board also approved: 

The relevy of unpaid October water and sewer bills totaling $59,611.40 to the respective property owners’ tax bills.

Work change orders at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Project, requested by Triangle Electric for $6,537 and Murnane Building Supply for $3,686.

WWTP contract payments to Danforth Construction for $59,475 (Payment #4), Murnane Building for $1,068,045.74 (Payment #4), and K & L Plumbing $62,74.59 (Payment #2).

A two-year Sand & Ice agreement with Clinton County. $151,532 in 2026 and $156,079 in 2027.  Peru plows and treats nearly 24 miles of county highways.

The highway department’s  installing three-way stop signs at the Blake Road – Fox Farm Road Intersection.  Loyal Henry informed the Board of the intersection’s visibility issues at the October 29 meeting.

Click here to view the meeting video on YouTube. 

Forgotten history of Chinese immigrants reveals roots of current-day ICE partnerships, policies

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise story 

Click here view WPTZ News story 

St. Augustine’s Church entrance

JCEO Peru Outreach Coordinator Trista Sheehan with Knights Greg Hart (L) and Gordon Santor (R)

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is conducting a monthly food drive at St. Augustine’s Church to assist the Peru JCEO Food Shelf. This past weekend parishioners responded in a big way! The Knights delivered the food Monday morning.

November 17, 2025, Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks to fund projects that increase organizational capacity and long-term effectiveness of watershed organizations working in the Lake Champlain Basin.

The intent of this funding opportunity is to assist watershed organizations with the early stages of their development or to assist established watershed organizations in strengthening their capacity. The goal is to increase an organization’s capacity to achieve their mission, rather than develop new programming or education and outreach efforts (this work can be requested via other LCBP grant competitions).

All organizations seeking funding through this category must have a specific focus on achieving water quality improvements in the Lake Champlain watershed.

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $250,000 in available funding. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization. 

“Watershed organizations across the Basin play a critical role in implementing water quality and habitat restoration projects, as well as educating and involving our communities,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “We are proud to offer organizational support funding to boost our partners’ capacity for undertaking this work.”

The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on January 5, 2026, and projects are targeted to begin work in August 2026. An informational webinar will be offered on December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (register for the Zoom meeting here).

For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit www.lcbp.org.

-end-

Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman is pleased to announce his initial committee assignments in the New York State Assembly. Cashman has been appointed to the Agriculture Committee, the Tourism, Parks, and Sports Development Committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee three panels that directly reflect the strengths and priorities of the 115th Assembly District.

“These committees represent the core of who we are as a region,” said Assemblyman Cashman. “The 115th is powered by hardworking farm families, supported by a vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation economy, and deeply shaped by our veterans and military community. I’m honored to bring our district’s voice to each of these tables.”

Cashman noted that Assembly committee sizes are fixed by the Rules of the House, and as a result, senior members such as former Assemblyman Billy Jones may assume additional responsibilities as the new legislative session progresses. “This is the start of the process,” Cashman added. “As assignments across the Chamber shift, I will continue to advocate for roles that best serve the people of Clinton, Franklin, and Essex Counties.”

His appointment to the Agriculture Committee positions him to champion family farms and rural economic development. Serving on Tourism, Parks, and Sports Development allows him to support the region’s natural assets and small businesses that rely on visitors and recreation. Through the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he will continue advocating for the service members and military families who are such an important part of the North Country’s identity.

Additionally, Assemblyman Cashman has been diligently working to open the new District Office located on the historic U.S. Oval in Plattsburgh. This includes hiring staff, establishing operations, and getting phone lines up and running. Constituents may now reach the office at 518-562-1986.

Even while preparing the office, Cashman has remained active across the district from meeting with leaders at the UVM Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital FitzPatrick Cancer Treatment Center, to attending the Annual North Country Chamber of Commerce Retreat, to joining the Annual Malone Chamber Meeting and Dinner, and celebrating the official opening of the new Champlain Fire Station and many more. These engagements ensure he continues to stay closely connected to the issues, opportunities, and people of the 115th.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Wall Street tycoon and Adirondack agitator Sandy Lewis lists iconic Essex farm

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Thanksgiving dinner

Turkey Dinner & All the Trimmings! 

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!

Click here for WPTZ News Report 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

State to open proposed requirements for K-12 to public comment starting Nov. 19

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Corrected 11/15/25 at 3:10 p.m. Residents utilizing water and sewer services will see a slight decrease.  My first post did not take the water & sewer rate deceases into account. Taxes will increase for residents outside those districts. 

By John T Ryan 

Peru – The Peru town board has been formulating the town’s 2026 town budget since September 8. On October 2, it conducted a Special Meeting to unveil the preliminary Budget, and on October 5, it conducted a Public Hearing. On Wednesday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m., it will conduct a Special Meeting to adopt the Final Budget. 

Over the past several months, Supervisor Craig Randall stated that the 2026 budget would probably exceed the 2% state-imposed tax cap; he was correct. Noting that the board will probably make a few changes in the final Budget, Randall didn’t think the Final Budget would be under the tax cap.  While it doesn’t appear the budget will exceed the tax cap by much, Randall did not give the Peru Gazette the exact numbers. The exact amount should be available at the board’s November 19 Special Meeting. 

Preliminary Budget Tax Rates 2026 vs, 2025 per thousand dollars of taxable value 

General – $1.72/M vs. $1.43

Highway – $1.80 vs. $1.73

Water – $.86 vs. $1.03

Sewer – – $1.54 vs. 1.97

Increases in employee health insurance costs, NYS retirement expenses, and culvert replacement expenses drive the town’s increased expenditures. Facing about 18% increase in health insurance costs, the town is changing its employee health insurance plans; nevertheless, the board has budgeted $25,817 to cover the increased costs. 

The town installed several culverts following the 1998 flood. Unfortunately, the culverts are failing in rapid succession, meaning expense increases are likely to continue. The culvert replacement contracts are expensive, typically totaling several hundred thousand dollars.

Few, if any, of the expenses incurred at the ongoing Wastewater Treatment Plant Project are included in the 2026 budget. Those expenses will impact the 2027 budget, as well as work anticipated at the water treatment plant. 

Randall reduced anticipated Clinton County Sales Tax Revenue, saying, “How the County determines what it gives to the towns is a mystery to me. We’re budgeting much less for 2026 than we did in 2025.” The available fund balance is being reduced from $398,349 in 2025 to $200,000 in 2026.

The Peru Gazette analyzed portions of the Budget:

Health Insurance – $284,177 in 2026 vs $258,390 in 2025. 

NYS Retirement – $204,778 in 2026 vs. $165,283 in 2025. 

Sales Tax Income – $225,000 in 2026 vs. $326,466 in 2025 

Employee Wage Increases – 3% based on the Consumer Price Index.

Bond Payments on the Fuller Road Culvert – $195,000 

Bond Payments on the 1st Telegraph Rd. Culvert – $71,159 

Click here view the Preliminary 2026 Budget

Story updated  11/15/25 at 3:10 p.m. and 11/17/25 at 8:45 PM – Health insurance increase have been about 18%, not 22% as originally stated. 

By John T Ryan 

By now, many readers may be familiar with the Regional Food Bank’s massive effort to host a November 22 Single-Day Thanksgiving Meal Pick-Up for thousands of individuals, families, and seniors in the Adirondacks and the North Country. To make this happen, about 75 volunteers will be needed.  Organizations and individuals are invited to take part.

The items handed out will allow families to cook their own meals at home. Volunteers will fill a box/bag with more than 30 pounds of food items (including turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, gravy, vegetables, fruit, potatoes, and dessert) sourced from local partners.

On November 22, Clinton Community College’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing will be the local food distribution site. Volunteers will be needed starting at 7 a.m. to organize and distribute the food via a drive-through system. Distribution will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 1:00 p.m. or until all the food has been distributed. The Institute is at 53 Clinton Point Drive, Plattsburgh, New York 12901.

Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up using this link. Organizations desiring to participate should email Nicholas Rabideau at nickr#regionalfoodbank.net 

The Plattsburgh event is one of over 20 Regional Food Bank events across Northeastern New York. It is the single largest overall food distribution in the history of New York.

Click here for read a previous Peru Gazette story on this effort.