By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- Mayor Tim Currier is proposing a $125,000 downtown restoration fund as part of his 2016-2017 budget.

As it stands now, the spending blueprint would not raise property taxes. Cost increases would be covered by $459,000 in fund balance, leaving $1.59 million in the village’s reserve account, Currier said.

“We’ve done very little to deal with the issue of downtown,” Currier told the Board of Trustees and a half dozen spectators on Tuesday.

He said he is looking at revitalizing the town from what he calls a “community development” approach rather than an “economic development” approach.

Along with the restoration fund, Currier wants the village to apply for a state partial tax exemption for properties that are businesses downstairs and residences on top. It requires a minimum $10,000 investment, the mayor said.

“You need people living in the downtown corridor,” Currier said.

The downtown fund would assist with things like rent and signage, according to Currier’s presentation.

It includes:

• Commercial rent subsidy program assisting with the first year for a new or expanding business. It will pay up to one half of a month’s rent, or up to $600 per month for a qualifying business.

• Commercial interior build-out program to help new or expanding businesses renovate. The number of jobs created by the renovation will determine how much the village invests, up to $15,000.

• Business signage improvement program, providing up to $1,500 in matching funds.

• Façade improvement program, providing up to $15,000 in matching funds.

The village has several work sessions scheduled before the trustees will vote on a final budget. They are slated for 5 p.m. April 11, 12, 14 and 26, and if possible, April 28. They could vote on a final spending plan as early as April 26.