To the Editor:

The Town of Brasher residents, who reside in the Massena School district, will be voting for the upcoming school district budget in May. The ballot will include a Library district proposition to change the charter from the Town of Massena to the Massena School District. Ballots are due by May 21st, 2024. 

If this proposition is passed this will be an increase to the Massena School taxable levy upon all taxpayers for a special library district in the Town of Brasher who are in the Massena School District. The proposed budget for the new school tax levy is $679,990 to the present budget of $504,133 from Town of Massena, and $9000 from the Town of Louisville, a $523,471 combined tax payer levy. If this proposition passes, this new taxing entity will be on your school tax bill as a separate line item moving forward. The library board of trustees will not be appointed by the Town of Massena if passed, but solely be governed by the new Massena Public Library Trustees alone. 

If a resident is over 65 years of age and currently receiving the Enhanced Star exemption, this new tax will still have to be paid as your Enhanced Star exemption will not apply to this Library Tax. Take action, it is up to the voters to decide this proposition. This is useful information needed to help you make your decision on whether to vote yes or no on the ballot.

If you do not receive a ballot or have eligible voters in your home who didn’t get a ballot, you can notify the Massena School District at 315-764-3700 extension 3008 and they will mail you a ballot.

If a Ballot is needed for absentee vote, an application must be requested from the Massena School District, and the Library Vote will be held at the Massena Community Center.

Mark A. Peets,
Town Supervisor,
Town Board of the Town of Brasher