Lake Clear, NY, Jan 30, 2012 — Officials in Harrietstown have organized a new citizens committee to study the cost and future management of the Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear. The airport was the target of a scathing report from the state Comptroller's office earlier this month that found the facility had been mismanaged.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 18, 2012 — Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his budget plan, is increasing some taxes on tobacco, while cutting the state's smoking cessation program. Cuomo closes what he calls some tax loopholes for cigars and loose tobacco that will net $18 million in revenue for the state. At the same time, he's reducing New York's anti smoking campaign by $5 million. From Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 30, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo has begun a countdown clock to promote his new tax code changes. Cuomo convinced state lawmakers in early December to approve the changes.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 12, 2011 — When Governor Cuomo convinced the legislature to pass a new temporary income tax surcharge on New York's wealthiest, it was an abrupt policy change from the anti-tax views that the governor had advocated as recently as October. But, As Karen DeWitt reports, Cuomo's reversal will likely do him more political good than harm.  Go to full article

Dec 08, 2011 — North Country lawmakers are praising the outcome of the special session held yesterday in Albany.

Republican state Senator Betty Little from Queensbury said the income tax deal negotiated by Governor Cuomo would cut income taxes for the "vast majority of New Yorkers." Little predicted the tax plan would "encourage economic activity and job growth."

Eight Assembly Republicans voted against the tax overhaul. North Country Republicans in the Assembly approved it, with reservations.  Go to full article

Elizabethtown, NY, Dec 07, 2011 — It was standing room only in the Essex County Courthouse in Elizabethtown Monday night as nearly 150 people turned out for a hearing on the tentative 2012 county budget.

Twenty-three people spoke during the hearing, which lasted more than two hours. Not one person asked for additional cuts to a spending plan that proposed to increase the tax levy by 4.3 percent and lay off 30 county employees.

And as Chris Morris reports, every speaker called for the board to restore funding for contract agencies and do what they could to avoid job cuts, a move that would increase next year's tax levy.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 06, 2011 — Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on tax code changes that includes a slightly lowered rate for the middle class, and higher taxes on millionaires. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has the details:  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 02, 2011 — The gaps in the New York State budget are widening for the current year and the new fiscal year. Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers are considering a number of options, including a special session, and revamping of the state's tax code to bring more money into the state coffers. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Aug 29, 2011 — The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators is holding a public hearing Monday night about overriding the state's new two-percent property tax cap.

The county announced this week that it needs to issue bonds in order to meet its financial obligations this year. And leaders are considering whether to eliminate all but essential services - that means programs for the elderly, for youth, and the entire planning department would all be gone.

Some leaders say raising more money by over-riding the tax cap is the only responsible thing to do. But others say limiting property taxes is the real imperative. Julie Grant reports.  Go to full article

Aug 26, 2011 — The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators is holding a public hearing Monday night about overriding the state's new two-percent property tax cap. Board Chair Sallie Brothers says the county's financial situation doesn't look good.

She says they could cut all non-mandated services, such as alcohol and substance abuse programs, the planning department, youth programs, and nutrition services for the elderly. Or she says they could raise the property tax.  Go to full article