MASSENA -- After two work sessions, the Town Council is still considering a 2015 budget that would hike taxes by 4 percent.

The only change they have made thus far is to reduce their contribution to the Massena Business Development Corporation by $15,000. They will now give them $60,000, the same amount as the village.

They reduced their contribution to the Massena Rescue Squad by $75,000 over last year, which drew fire from current and former members on Wednesday night.

The Town Board argued that the Rescue Squad had enough extra cash on hand in several accounts, to the tune of $500,000, that wasn't doing any good just sitting there. It was a flash point in the discussion and drew fire from the first responders on hand. They said they have trimmed fat from their operation, which included not purchasing new boots for members for the last three years.

The board also denied the Massena Public Library's request for additional funding.

As it stands now, the proposed tax rate for those living in the village is about $4.41 per $1,000 of assessed value. The owner of a $50,000 property would be taxed in the neighborhood of $220.50, about $9 more than last year. The owner of a $100,000 property would be billed around $441, which is about $18 more than last year.

Organizations that may request additional funding next Wednesday include the Massena Chamber of Commerce, the Massena Humane Society and the Massena Senior Citizens.

Massena Meals on Wheels told the board they were happy with their 2015 allocation.