Canton, NY, Dec 30, 2009 — St. Lawrence County crafted an austere budget this year, one that would have been worse if not for $3 million in stimulus funding to help pay for Medicaid.

County legislators met with state lawmakers yesterday to assess the state's financial situation and its impact on the region's counties. There were few answers, and the meeting became a bleak lament of Albany gridlock. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Feb 09, 2009 — As the deadline for the New York budget draws closer, some proposals, like a tax on soda and sugary drinks, are getting a lot of scrutiny. But others are flying under the radar. One would change "STAR," a program popular with people who struggle to keep up with property taxes. Rachel Ward has more.  Go to full article

Dec 22, 2008 — For the first time since the 1800s, the state of New York wants to cap property tax payments on forest preserve land in the Adirondack Park. The proposal would cost school districts and local governments in the North Country millions of dollars a year. It was unveiled last week as part of Governor David Paterson's controversial budget-cutting package. As Brian Mann reports, the property-tax measure is sparking outrage from groups across the political spectrum.  Go to full article

Dec 05, 2008 — A recommendation from Governor Paterson's commission on property tax relief fueled anxiety across the North Country this week. It would force school districts of fewer than 1,000 students to consolidate. Districts of fewer than 2,000 students would be encouraged to follow suit. The plan would affect almost all districts in northern New York. But as David Sommerstein reports, the commission says it doesn't want to actually shutter school buildings.  Go to full article

Sep 22, 2008 — The retail giant Walmart is suing the town of Ticonderoga. The lawsuit in State Supreme Court claims the town's $6.9 million assessment of the Walmart Supercenter there is more than twice what it should be. The move comes months before Walmart will have to pay full taxes after 10 years of payments-in-lieu-of-taxes. Walmart has challenged assessments of its big boxes across the country. Ticonderoga town officials say the property's probably undervalued because the assessment was made when the Supercenter opened in 1998. Town Supervisor Bob Dedrick told David Sommerstein he was very surprised.  Go to full article

Jun 25, 2008 — Senator Joe Bruno's surprise announcement this week that he won't seek re-election raises new questions about the Republican Party's ability to hold its one-seat majority in the November elections. Democrats enjoy a lopsided advantage in terms of voter enrollment and fundraising. The GOP is also burdened by President George Bush's rock-bottom approval ratings. Brian Mann checked in with North Country Senator Betty Little, who says she hopes Bruno will help support Republican candidates through the end of the year.  Go to full article

Jun 23, 2008 — State Senator Betty Little says she supports the idea of a property tax cap and hopes to return this summer to debate the issue during a special session. But Little told Brian Mann that she's concerned about the possible impact of a cap on local school districts that are faced with spiraling costs.  Go to full article

Jun 04, 2008 — New Yorkers pay record high property taxes partly because we have some of the most expensive local governments in the country. Last winter, Brian Mann looked at the reasons those tax bills are so high, and at some of the tough realities that might follow a property tax cap.  Go to full article

Jun 04, 2008 — Questions about the impact of property tax reform on the North Country's economy are complicated and controversial. Republican Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, from Willsboro, is a strong supporter of the tax cap. She has also introduced a bill that would tie property taxes to personal incomes, the so-called "circuit breaker" rule. Sayward spoke with Brian Mann about the impact on jobs, schools and local governments in her district.  Go to full article

Jan 24, 2008 — Gov. Spitzer appointed a diverse group to his property tax commission yesterday. He said he'd be surprised if they don't come back with a recommendation to limit property taxes in the state. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article