By ADAM ATKINSON
North Country Now

CANTON -- The Canton town board expects to pass the 2019 budget at its meeting Wednesday, Nov. 14.

The town held a public hearing Oct. 7 on the $2.77 million budget, but only one member of the public was in attendance and no opposition to the plan was voiced at that time.

Taxpayers would see a slight tax rate increase to $2.65 per $1,000 of assessed property value compared to $2.59 in 2018.

Total assessed property value in the town is $377,936,619 in 2019 (up from $374,754,344 in 2018), which helps offset the rate per thousand increase somewhat.

The budget stays below the state tax cap.

At the meeting Oct. 7 following the public hearing, the town board briefly discussed increasing its portion of a shared contribution to the Canton recreation budget. The town and village both contribute to the village-run department’s budget and the town has been asked if they can increase their contribution to almost $149,000. The town has budgeted just over $122,000 for the department.

Board members talked about an increase in recreation rates and a capital management plan for the department as a possible means to offset costs. No increase in the town’s contribution was approved and the board agreed that a more comprehensive conversation about the recreation department and its budget was needed with the village.

The town board did approve an additional pay allotment of $1,500 for the deputy town supervisor position.

The deputy supervisor, a position currently held by town councilman Bob Washo, works on town payroll and fills in for the supervisor when they are not available, said Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley.

The position was not previously budgeted an additional salary over the regular council member’s salary of $5,322.

Washo recused himself from the vote on the increase.