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Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Watertown Post
Onondaga approves $1.7 billion budget and $25 million housing fund
Onondaga County lawmakers unanimously approved a $1.7 billion 2027 budget on October 6, then backed a separate $35 million package centered on housing. The package includes a $25 million revolving loan fund intended to help middle-income housing projects overcome upfront costs that can delay construction. Another $10 million will support semiconductor suppliers, farms and Main Street improvements. Legislators also redirected budget money toward six child-welfare caseworkers and additional sheriff’s vehicles. The funding package passed 16–1, with members raising questions about the limited time available to review it. The approvals put new resources behind housing and public services as the county prepares for growth tied to Micron and the semiconductor industry.
Sources: WAER and Central Current, October 6, 2026.
Chaumont sets November 3 vote on village dissolution
Chaumont voters will decide November 3 whether to dissolve their village government, following a resident petition that gathered more than 100 signatures. The village’s official notice sets voting from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the municipal offices, 12175 NYS Route 12E. WWNY reported October 6 that the petition followed the village’s decision to discontinue some services, including free garbage and recycling collection, while trying to restrain taxes. Mayor Jim Morrow said the choice belongs to taxpayers. Dissolution would shift village responsibilities to the town of Lyme, but the practical details would still require a plan. The village has posted a dissolution guide and frequently asked questions for residents reviewing the proposal.
Sources: WWNY, October 6, 2026; Village of Chaumont special-election notice, October 1, 2026.
Jay resident Emily Nobel Maxwell named to lead ANCA
The Adirondack North Country Association has named Jay resident Emily Nobel Maxwell its next executive director, with her start scheduled for October 15. The Saranac Lake-based economic development nonprofit announced the appointment October 6. Nobel Maxwell brings 25 years of nonprofit experience, including more than a decade leading The Nature Conservancy’s New York Cities program and recent work supporting New York City’s Urban Forest Plan. She succeeds Elizabeth Cooper, who left in July to lead Feeding New York State. Her assignment includes carrying out ANCA’s 2026–2028 strategic plan and strengthening support for small businesses, local food systems and clean energy across northern New York. ANCA works with communities in 14 counties.
Source: Adirondack North Country Association, October 6, 2026.
Massena considers school realignment as enrollment declines
Massena Central School District is considering reorganizing which grades attend its five school buildings as enrollment declines. One option would group each elementary grade in a single building, while keeping all three elementary schools in use. Sixth graders would move to the junior high, and eighth graders would move to the high school. Superintendent Ron Burke told WWNY that the arrangement could improve curriculum consistency, free classroom space and reduce staffing through attrition. He also acknowledged more school transitions for children and added transportation complications for families. A community forum is scheduled for Thursday morning, October 8, at the Massena Community Center, with a survey also planned. No decision has been made; Burke expects the school board to choose a direction in February.
Source: WWNY, October 6, 2026.
JCC offers free semiconductor training beginning October 20
Jefferson Community College is offering a free semiconductor bootcamp beginning October 20, giving North Country residents an introduction to advanced-manufacturing work. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. through December 10 in the renovated Dulles Building on the Watertown campus. Participants can earn two nationally recognized Snap-on certifications and three transferable college credits while working with industry-relevant equipment. The college says the course is open to anyone interested in building technical skills. It follows a $750,000 Micron award received in April to support semiconductor programming and workforce training. JCC is also developing mechatronics programs around automation, electronics, hydraulics and mechanical systems. Enrollment questions can be directed to the college at 315-786-2297.
Sources: WWNY, October 6, 2026; Jefferson Community College, September 23, 2026.
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