Lyons Town Board discusses assessments,
Main Street Program
By Stephanie Knarr

The Lyons Town Board met Wednesday evening.

Property taxes - This past tax year caused some turmoil, with Lyons taxpayers regarding the value of their home and the assessment value placed on their property. Many would claim that the assessments were too high, considering the economic downturn and lack of house sales. Others were simply shocked by the major increase.

Going into the next tax year, the Assessor has received the support of the Town Board to do the assessments annually, as opposed to waiting four years.

Nancy Collins, part time assessor, said an annual review will provide a fair benefit to all as it will consider the economy. Also, incremental tax increases will not take such a large bite out of the taxpayers' pockets.

Several surrounding communities are also considering this option. New York State increased the school STAR exemption from $30,000 basic STAR to $32,190, to reduce the financial flux on the citizens.

The WECA Main Street Program also made the Town agenda. The Board has agreed to provide a letter of support for the Main Street Program Grant Application.

Mayor Corrine Kleisle said, 'This application is important for our community as it's an opportunity for Lyons to do extensive planning and that it opens up the community to a national level of grants and additional funding.'

An major piece to the grant was for a $40,000 commitment made up from municipal, public and private funds. This past week found business owners and citizens pledging the funds to support the need for the program. $20,000 of the whole had to come from public funds, $5000 could be made from in-kind and $15,000 was to be made possible from the government sector. Kleisle said the commitment goals for private and in-kind have been reached.

Main Street USA is the designation intended to be received. Binghamton and Fairport are communities that follow the four-point approach of the Main Street Program, however are not a nationally recognized community.

If Lyons were chosen as the representative community from Wayne County, it will be the first in New York State with such recognition.

'It will only work if the entire community works together,' said the Mayor.

Dan LaGasse, business owner and Town Board Councilman, proposed a resolution to fund a portion of the municipal funds needed in an attempt to see Lyons as part of this program. All members approved noting that though the program is for our downtown community which lies in the Village, they state that everyone benefits if it should be successful.

The Lyons Community Center received a share of financial support from the Board. Members of the Community Center Board were present to discuss possible programs to be supported by the towns funds. Anna Bridger, LCC board member, said the Center recognizes the benefits of an active community and the need for a safe environment for an exercise regimen. The Center can provide these services by offering the exercise equipment room and indoor space during inclement weather.

The Town Board approved $12,000 for the Center's financial support for 2008.

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