BY JOSH DAVISNorth Country This Week

Correction - Due to editor error, an earlier version of this story stated that the proposed tax levy increase was 18.7% . In fact, the percent change is actually 17.3% .

CANTON— Town officials are continuing to adjust an initial 2026 budget plan, which may include greater appropriations for Canton’s four fire departments. 

The current proposal, which is subject to change would raise the tax rate by about 15.87%  Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley  reported that the town’s process has helped officials reach a new working tax rate of $3.65 per $1,000 of assessed value, down $0.10 from the $3.75, from the proposal  discussed at the Sept. 23 budget work session.

That’s accompanied by a proposed tax levy of roughly $1.524 million, over last year’s levy of $1.28 million. That’s an increase of about 17.3% over last year's spending plan, but down from the earlier proposed 19% increase.

Town Council member Randy Brown said that he has fielded many questions about the 19% tax levy increase figure presented in a recent North Country This Week article.

He said that the owner of a $200,000 house would pay an additional $100 in property taxes, a jump from $630 to $730 under the proposed rate increase. 

Town Council member Jim Smith, who is running for election as Supervisor, also floated the idea that the town could take a more proactive approach to highway funding, citing aging equipment and the roughly 20 miles of dirt roads still extant in Canton, which he described as a “maintenance nightmare.” 

Smith said that some municipalities fund their highway departments much more robustly, and reports that their roadways are in better condition than Canton’s because “they're paying to build their roads.”

Officials also discussed potential increases in funding for Canton’s highway department and the fire departments in Morley, Rensselaer Falls, and Pyrites, which have received no major changes in appropriations since 2023. The board suggested that Canton Fire’s appropriation could increase from $1.27 to $1.38, per $1,000 of assessed value, with other departments potentially receiving $0.60 each. 

Officials noted that Pyrites Fire Department has separately requested an additional $40,000 for repairs to a recently acquired piece of used equipment. Supervisor Ashley noted that she has requested additional information to help determine whether the town will meet the Pyrites department’s request. 

The town also considered a contribution to the Volunteer Transportation Center, which made an open-ended request for support but did not provide a budget or ask for a particular amount. 

Town officials did not commit to making a contribution, but said they would inquire with other municipalities to help determine an appropriate amount, if any. 

The final addition discussed Monday concerned brackets for the municipal veterans banner program.

Ashley said she was proud of the fact that the town tax rate has only increased $0.50 during her time as Supervisor. Similarly, Jim Smith noted that because the town has consistently managed to stay under the tax cap, the proposed increase appears more dramatic.  

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