by Rachel Hunter
At the November 11 Town Council meeting, the Town of Gouverneur paused for a solemn moment of silence to honor the veterans whose service and sacrifice continue to shape the soul of the community. The gesture, brief but deeply felt, echoed across generations and conflicts, anchoring the town’s civic life in reverence and remembrance.
The observance coincided with Veterans Day 2025, a national holiday that marked the 107th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the armistice brought an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. In the years that followed, Americans sought a way to honor the peace hard-won and the lives forever changed.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 as a day of reflection and gratitude. It became a legal federal holiday in 1938, and after World War II and the Korean War, Congress—urged by veterans’ organizations—renamed it Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who had served in the U.S. Armed Forces, not just those who fought in World War I.
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, living and deceased, who served during wartime or peacetime. It is a day to recognize, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes, “patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Town Supervisor Dave Spilman Jr. called for the moment of silence to honor the veterans who gave their lives in service to the nation. It was observed by all those in attendance, including the following: Town Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town Councilpersons Curran Wade, Lory Whitton and William Infield, Town Clerk Marion Bowhall, Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, Town Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright, Town Bookkeeper Diane Kelley, and Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall.
“Thank you, everyone,” Supervisor Spilman said.
All attendees stood to deliver the Pledge of Allegiance, marking the occasion with a moment of collective patriotism. Following the tribute, the Gouverneur Town Council transitioned to its scheduled agenda, addressing routine business and community updates with steady focus.
In other news: The Town of Gouverneur has applied for funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) to assist eligible single-family homes located in the Town of Gouverneur. The program is intended to provide assistance to income-eligible homeowners to perform rehabilitation activities that are necessary to help alleviate substandard conditions in their homes. The grants, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Office of Community Renewal, are awarded to help preserve affordable housing, support veterans and older New Yorkers, increase access to homeownership, and strengthen local economies. The Town of Gouverneur's Housing Rehabilitation Program has received funding in the past through HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, administered through the NYS Office of Community Renewal to provide assistance to homeowners for rehabilitation activities necessary to help alleviate substandard conditions in their homes. Only properties that are determined to be substandard are eligible to be assisted under this program. “I hope we get awarded another $400,000 and we can keep helping the people in the Town and the Village,” Supervisor Spilman said. The Town of Gouverneur hopes to hear of an award announcement in December 2025. For more info, visit townofgouverneur.gov.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. also provided an update on the building project adjacent to the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the building was recently moved from its former location on Gouverneur CSD property to 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. It was noted that concrete walls are in place. Utility connections are pending, with follow-up needed with Wolfe House & Building Movers to expedite scheduling. Further construction is on hold until the structure is set on its foundation. There was a lengthy discussion, but no action was taken.
The Town of Gouverneur Council reviewed a $15,000 verbal offer from the Town of Leyden, NY for a 2010 snow plow and sander truck—an aging vehicle that, despite its wear, drew interest for its dual-function capability. Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright noted that the vehicle—though being retired locally—would become the newest in Leyden’s fleet, replacing a 1992 model. “The one we’re getting rid of is the newest one they would own,” he said, highlighting the value of the transfer for the receiving municipality. Supt. Wainwright described the vehicle’s condition as deteriorating, citing problems with the chassis, frame, and a severely rotted box. While the sander remains operational, the plows are bent and the wings are in rough shape. “It’s one good tailgate slam from having the tailgate just fall off it,” he said. Still, the truck runs well and retains strong power. The prospective buyers were enthusiastic. “We can plow and sand at the same time!” one person remarked after look at the truck condition, impressed by its dual capabilities despite its wear. There was a lengthy discussion, and the Town of Gouverneur Council voted to submit a counteroffer to the Town of Leyden.
In other highway news, the Town Highway Department assisted the Village DPW with milling work on streets slated for paving. Crews also addressed plugged sewers, with the Village providing support via vacuum truck. Repairs were made to the box on Truck No. 58. Potholes were patched throughout the town, and Nov. 10 marked the department’s first sanding run of the season. Crews continue to stay busy in the shop, preparing equipment for the demands of winter.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. then reported the following: “The Supervisors have negotiated and have come to a settlement with the County. We plow 12.94 miles of the road for the County. In 2025-26, we got $76,346. Starting next year, for 2026-27, we’re going to get $79,581, so we are going up about $3,000. And it’s about the same all the way up through. The only thing they have eliminated in the contract is the variable on fuel. They always had a thing in there that if the fuel goes up, they’d give us an X-number of a percent. If it goes down, they take away X-number of a percent. They eliminated that. It’s a three-year contract.” Supt. Wainwright said: “It covers the sand and salt for the whole township.” Supervisor Spilman said, “Right. In 2026-27, it gives us $6,150 per lane mile. So yes, basically, this pays for all our salt and sand for the year for all of our roads… It’s pretty good and this is the easiest they have settled us in a long time. I think last time they negotiated it, it went almost a year before it was settled.”
Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood reported that 11 new permits were issued in October 2025—all within the Village. As of Oct. 31, a total of 88 permits had been issued for the year, including 68 in the Village and 20 in the Town. Wood continues to conduct building inspections across both jurisdictions. He also noted five new complaints and two new violations; two complaints have been resolved, while the remaining cases are still under review. Looking ahead, Wood plans to establish biannual meetings for the Town and Village Planning and Zoning Boards to address recurring issues and improve coordination.
Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent Michael Wainwright reported that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently inspected the department’s fuel storage infrastructure. The used oil holding tank passed without issue, but the 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank—documented in service for over 30 years—showed signs of surface rust requiring touch-up. Wainwright emphasized the inspector’s recommendation that the Town begin planning for a replacement, noting, “At 30 years, they rust from the inside out.” The report highlighted the growing urgency of addressing aging infrastructure to maintain environmental compliance and ensure long-term operational reliability. There was a lengthy discussion, but no action was taken by the Town Council on the matter.
As part of its annual fiscal process, the Town of Gouverneur has forwarded unpaid sewer and water bills to St. Lawrence County for relevy, allowing outstanding balances to be added to the 2026 property tax roll for collection. The Town authorized the county’s Real Property Tax Services to levy a 2025 sewer district special assessment totaling $1,215, along with $12,024.10 in past-due sewer rents. Additionally, the Town approved the relevy of $42,667.23 in overdue water rents—$18,742.43 from the East Side Water District and $23,924.90 from the West Side Water District. Town Councilperson Lory Whitton asked: “How long does it take to get to this point?” Supervisor Spilman noted that any portion of sewer and water bills remaining unpaid by November is automatically relevied—ensuring those balances are added to the following year’s property tax roll for collection.
The Town of Gouverneur Council has formally adopted the 2025–26 budget, approving a modest 1.9% increase that remains well within the limits of the state-mandated tax cap. The total amount to be raised by tax is $825,705, supporting appropriations of $3,134,015. Tax rates per $100 of assessed value will rise slightly, with the Town rate set at $0.40 for 2026 (up from $0.38 in 2025) and the Village rate at $0.33 for 2026 (up from $0.32 in 2025). Assessed valuations climbed modestly year over year, from $225,474,318 in 2025 to $227,378,568 in 2026, reflecting steady growth in the local tax base. The salary schedule has been established as follows: Supervisor ($13,098), Deputy Supervisor ($2,053), Bookkeeper ($42,870), Council Members ($4,137.50 each), Town Clerk ($39,655), Deputy Town Clerk ($19 per hour), Town Justice ($22,145 each), Court Clerk ($$42,848 each), Court Security ($5,356), Assessor ($11,144), Data Clerk ($11,144), Highway Superintendent ($72,290), Historian ($500), Highway Employees ($26.78 per hour), Code Enforcement ($15,450), Code Enforcement – Shared Services ($15,000), Planning and Zoning Secretary ($600), Clerical – Board of Review ($600), Board of Review Members ($75 per meeting attended), and Dog Control ($13,500 - $6,500 DCO and $7,000 Pound). The budget hearing was held on Nov. 5, and the budget was adopted at the Nov. 11 town board meeting. No public comments were received. The 2026 Budget is available to the public at the Town Clerk’s Office.
The Town of Gouverneur Council also approved a motion authorizing board members to purchase health insurance through the Town’s municipal plan. Under the new policy, council members may opt into coverage at their own expense, aligning with practices in other municipalities that offer benefits to elected officials. The move reflects ongoing efforts to support public service while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
In response to the end of support for Windows 10, the Town of Gouverneur Council discussed a technology upgrade that includes the purchase of three new desktop computers at $1,140 each and the installation of Windows 11 on nine existing units at a cost of $125 per machine. The total cost is anticipated at $4,545. The investment ensures continued security, compatibility, and operational efficiency across municipal departments. There was a lengthy discussion on the matter, and action was tabled to a future meeting.
As part of its employee manual updates, the Town of Gouverneur identified a critical gap in its personnel policies: there was no existing provision addressing compensation for employees summoned to jury duty. The absence of a formal policy prompted a review to ensure that civic obligations like jury service are acknowledged and fairly supported within the Town’s employment framework. The update aims to establish clear guidelines for pay and leave procedures, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to both public service and employee rights. It was noted that New York State has established formal guidelines on this matter, which may be incorporated directly into the Town of Gouverneur’s employee manual as written—ensuring consistency with state standards and simplifying policy adoption. The motion was carried with full support of the town board.
The Gouverneur Town Council also heard monthly reports on the Gouverneur Recreation Department and the Gouverneur Community Center. They also discussed the Gouverneur Fire Department, Gouverneur Rescue Squad, shared services with the Gouverneur Central School District, St. Lawrence County’s Emergency Communications Project.
At the end of the agenda, Supervisor Spilman invited Mayor Ron McDougall to deliver the Village report. Mayor McDougall commended the success of the Gouverneur Veterans Day Observance, offering special recognition to guest speaker Jason Carvel, commander of the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur.
Mayor Ron McDougall turned briefly to political matters, underscoring the enduring value of congressional representation grounded in the North Country. He emphasized how proximity and local understanding have historically shaped responsiveness to regional needs. McDougall also extended heartfelt congratulations to the Town of Gouverneur officials re-elected in the 2025 General Election, thanking them for their continued service and commitment to the community.
Turning to fiscal matters, Mayor McDougall noted the Town’s recent budget adoption at a 1.9% increase, calling it “a fair increase.” He added, “We plan to stay in that range, although one board member keeps pushing for a 10–12% increase. With the rest of the board, I think that’s a nonstarter.”
Mayor Ron McDougall highlighted a slate of upcoming community events: The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur’s Friday Senior Lunch Program will hold a free Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 27 (take-out only). Reservations are required by calling 315-287-2440 by Tuesday, November 25. The James Maloy American Legion will be having a free complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27 from 4-7 p.m. Open to the public. It was also noted that the Annual Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and Festivities will be held on Saturday, December 6 in the Village Park. Christmas. The festivities will start at 3 p.m. The parade will be at 5 p.m. Parade line-up will begin at 4 p.m. For more information, visit gouverneurchamber.net. Much gratitude was extended to Mayor McDougall for his report.
The next regular meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US-11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340 or visit www.townofgouverneur.gov.