🔔 Special Topic AlertRead: Tax Talk: What’s happening, what you can do, and what you should know |
What We Do
The Government Affairs committee monitors local and state government activity that may affect the members of the USLA or their properties within the Upper Saranac Lake watershed. Typical issues may be related to local ordinances, building code enforcement, zoning, variance applications, and future development or regulation of both state- and privately-owned properties. The committee also submits public comment to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) and the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) on matters within the jurisdiction of those agencies that may affect USLA members or their properties either directly or indirectly.
All Politics Are Local
Anne Sheein, Government Affairs Chair
Whether or not you’re an avid reader of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise or town council notice boards, decisions made at the local level have a direct impact on your experiences and expenses as a homeowner or tenant of a home in the northern Adirondack Park. From property taxes to zoning laws, infrastructure to economic development, local and state authorities tackle a large number of issues and challenges that directly or indirectly affect our area.
Why should you stay informed?
As taxpayers, we support our municipalities – including the local community, its schools, government programs and initiatives that are directed for the greater good even when we don’t utilize every service. By simply running your eye over any meeting minutes, you’ll get a picture of some very busy people working on a range of sometimes complex issues, for not very high salaries. You will also get a picture of a lively and active year-round community which not only provides services at all levels, but also local culture, entertainment, infrastructure, and perspectives. They are more than our support network; they are our neighbors.
How can you stay informed?
Consider attending a town council meeting which are held monthly, with agendas provided ahead of time. You can easily sign up for the notifications through each website and review the minutes if you can’t attend in person. Elsewhere in this issue you find a list of meeting dates for the Towns of Santa Clara, Harrietstown and Franklin County. (If you’re not sure where your property lies, look up your address online or check your tax invoices.)
Elected by town residents, town councils are the legislative and governing bodies for individual towns in New York State. They consider and enact laws and ordinances, set budgets and oversee finances and a variety of local services. Town supervisors serve as the chief elected official and are responsible for day-to-day operations, managing finances, and supervising different departments. They are also responsible for communicating with local, State and Federal agencies on any matters related to town government.
Franklin County’s Board of Supervisors is composed on one member for each of its seven election districts, and the County is governed by additional legislative districts. It has its own County Manager who implements policies, and oversees and coordinates county department activities. She or he is one of four elected administrative officials in the county, along with the County Clerk, County Sheriff and District Attorney.
We will add links to the various authorities in the website. For other fun and informative sources please check out the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, The Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Life, and the public forum Adirondack Almanack. Enjoy!
Schedule of Meetings:
- Santa Clara meets the 2nd Thursday of the month 6 PM
- Harrietstown meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 6 PM
- Village of Saranac Lake meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 5 PM
- Franklin County Board of Supervisors meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month and the Thursday of the same week at 3 PM.
Our Work
Below is a list of recent issues the committee has been tracking and the government entities with which the committee has communicated to advocate for the interests of USLA members and the health of our environment:
- Upper Saranac Marina Redevelopment; Town of Santa Clara and NYDEC
- Fish Creek Campground Unit Management Proposal (UMP); NYDEC
- Rollins Pond Campground Unit Management Proposal (UMP); NYDEC
- Short Term Rental Law; Town of Santa Clara
- Deerwood Lot 9 Development; NYDEC
Committee meetings are held as needed and are usually conducted via Zoom and email. The committee reports to USLA members on its activities at annual membership meetings and throughout the year via our electronic and print newsletters.
Helpful Links
Communications between the committee and local and state government agencies, as well as other government or regulatory information resources that may be of interest or concern to USLA members, are posted to the government affairs tab of the news section on the USLA website when first issued. Selected letters are available for download below.
