Ilion, NY, Aug 01, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the new 2% property tax cap into law on July 5th--and local governments are already feeling the effects. In the Essex County community of Elizabethtown, the Horace Nye nursing home cares for about 100 people. Now, county officials are trying to determine if it should be privatized.

County officials debated the home's future Monday at their regular morning meeting...Brian Mann was there, and he spoke to Nora Flaherty about what went on.  Go to full article

Jul 08, 2011 — Beginning farmers from both sides of Lake Champlain gathered at the Grange Hall in rural crossroads of Whallonsburg in late June for a sort of mixer.

The mixer was organized by the Greenhorns, a nonprofit group that works on behalf of young farmers. The day included area farm tours, workshops, food, a puppet show, and camaraderie. Typical old grange-style stuff. But it wasn't farm business as usual.

Sarah Harris found the young farmers there are on a mission to change agriculture in America.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, May 11, 2011 — The National Weather Service downgraded its flood warning to a "watch" along the Raquette River in St. Lawrence County. But the more severe warning stands in the Champlain Valley. Tupper Lake town and village officials have lifted the state of emergency there. Saranac Lake officials say they can now draw the swollen lakes outflow down about an inch a day.

As the waters recede, communities are getting closer looks at flood damages, with the help of federal emergency management teams.

Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Elizabethtown, NY, Dec 30, 2010 — Essex County is still struggling to contain a projected property tax increase of 10 percent next year. Supervisors have considered and rejected selling the county nursing home, and an across the board cut in payments to outside agencies.

Essex County Chairman Randy Douglas has also called for the Civil Service Employees Union's 400 county employees to except a pay freeze.

After months of silence, the union local president Mike McGinn said this week there's no chance the union will agree to pay freezes or other concessions.  Go to full article

Elizabethtown, NY, Dec 22, 2010 — Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Douglas says he doesn't think the county board will freeze guaranteed pay increases for its unionized employees in the near future. But, he says the controversial move could be on the table in the coming months if union leaders don't return to the negotiating table. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Dec 14, 2010 — Many villages and towns across the North Country are looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce the property tax burden. In some cases that's led to discussions about sharing services, village dissolution or consolidation.

Trustees of one village in the Adirondacks took a step in a different direction last night, toward becoming a city. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

Elizabethtown, NY, Dec 03, 2010 — Essex County supervisors are reconsidering a plan that would slash payments to outside agencies by 10% in next year's budget. The change of heart came this week after Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Anita Deming spoke to supervisors at a public hearing.

The supervisors are struggling to reduce a tax increase estimated at 10%, but told them loss of the county money would affect jobs, and hurt popular agriculture programs, including 4-H and Adirondack Harvest. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Westport, NY, Oct 19, 2010 — Despite last week's snow, there is still a lot of fall color across the North Country. Brian Mann went for a leaf-peeping hike in the Champlain Valley just north of Westport. He sent this audio postcard from Split Rock Mountain.  Go to full article

Ilion, NY, Oct 14, 2010 — After seven years of no increases and one of the lowest property tax rates in the state, Essex County is looking at playing catch-up--fast. The county manager estimates a hike in the 30% to 50% range. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Ilion, NY, Oct 05, 2010 — Town supervisors in Essex County have rejected a plan to expand and upgrade North Country Community College's campus in Saranac Lake.

The Plattsburgh Press-Republican is reporting that the project was voted down Monday. Roby Politi from North Elba was one of the supervisors who voted no.

According to the newspaper, Politi cited the timing of the request for roughly $16 million in county funds. Essex county faces a budget deficit next year that could top $8 million. Politi said the county is looking at a 40% increase in the tax rate.

College officials say the campus is deteriorating, with-out-of-date facilities and plumbing. They also argue that New York state will pick up most of the $65-million price tag for the project.  Go to full article