Hello residents and community members,
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and that your week has been going well. I wanted to share a few community updates and upcoming events happening around the Town and Clinton County.
We have heard from many residents that the black flies have been worse than normal this year, so we reached out to the organization the Town contracts with for our Black Fly Control Program. The following update was provided as of 05/27/2026:
“The numbers of the winter-over species of larvae were much higher than usual, but the quantity of the second species, that winter over as eggs, was massive. I haven't seen that many larvae in decades. That means the black fly adults flying and blowing in are much higher than normal. We were there on Monday and treated for the third time, streams near town. We will be back tomorrow (05/28/2026) again, treating the northwestern side of the township where a lot of the winds come from and hopefully that will help improve the quality of life.”
Residents are encouraged to “Fight the Bite” by dressing appropriately, draining standing water, avoiding being outdoors at dawn and dusk, and wearing insect repellent containing DEET. Learn more mosquito prevention tips here:
https://www.clintoncountyny.gov/sites/default/files/departments/publichealth/documents/northcountryhealth/mosquitoes.pdf
I apologize that septic tank pumping is behind schedule. I was not notified or made aware of the delay until last Friday. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I will be closely monitoring the schedule moving forward.
The next septic tank pumping route will begin the evening of Thursday, June 4, 2026, and continue through Friday, June 5, 2026. This route will include Palmer Street, beginning at the intersection of Palmer Street and McCrea Street. Pumping will start at 61 Palmer Street and proceed along the odd-numbered side of the street, ending at 13 Palmer Street.
If your residence is located on the even-numbered side of Palmer Street and your septic tank was not prepared for pumping during the previous route, your tank will also be pumped next week as part of this scheduled service.
Our Highway Superintendent has notified us that Clinton County Soil & Water expects hydroseeding at Fern Lake to begin sometime next week. At this time, there is no firm start or completion date established.
Once work begins, the hydroseeding project will continue over the following several weeks, as the scope of the work will take some time to complete.
Regarding concerns about protecting nearby items from overspray, we have been advised that the hydroseeding crews should be able to work around existing features and property without any issues.
The contractor has provided the Town with a tentative schedule for the upcoming culvert replacement projects.
Please note that these dates are tentative and are subject to change based on weather conditions, site conditions, and contractor scheduling.
The Town will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these important infrastructure improvements are completed.
Monday, June 8, 2026 – Budget Hearing – 6:00 PM
Middle-High School Auditorium
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Budget Vote - Noon to 8:00 PM
Middle-High School Cafeteria
The proposed revised 2026-2027 budget totals $38,355,400, which is $250,000 lower than the previous proposal and $830,450 less than the 2025-2026 budget.
To reach the 5.95% tax cap, the district has made substantial reductions and operational changes, including staffing reductions through attrition, grade-level reorganization, reductions in counseling and student support services, reductions in arts, music, and technology staffing, transportation reductions, and expanded shared services through BOCES. The district also reduced supplies, delayed equipment replacement purchases, and increased the use of fund balance by an additional $600,000, bringing the total use of fund balance to $1.2 million. District officials have stated that this level of fund balance usage will significantly affect the District's overall fund balance moving forward.
If the revised budget is not approved by voters, New York State law requires the district to adopt a contingency budget, resulting in a 0% tax levy increase. Under a contingency budget, additional reductions would occur in academic programs, student support services, and athletics, including the elimination of all AuSable Valley athletics, along with further restrictions on district spending.
Reductions Included in the Initial 12% Proposal
• Class size reductions at KES (2nd and 4th grades)
• Class size reduction at AFES (1st grade through attrition)
• Moving 6th grade to the middle school (reduction of 4 positions)
• Reduction of elementary music teacher (attrition)
• Reduction of elementary art position
• Reduction of elementary technology position at KES
• Reduction of BHSN Crisis Counselor to part-time (grant funded)
• Reduction of 0.3 Counselor position at KES (grant funded)
• High school special education reduction (attrition)
• Reduction of Coordinator of Student Affairs (grant funded)
• Reduction of 10-month high school typist position
• Reduction of Director of Counseling (attrition)
• Entering BOCES cafeteria CoSer
• Entering purchasing and payroll CoSer through BOCES
• Elimination of the 5:00 PM bus run
• Moving the district office to the second floor of AFES
• Reduction of external tax collector
Additional Reductions to Reach the 5.95% Tax Cap
• Reduction of 12-month high school typist position
• Elimination of all equipment purchases
• Elimination of extracurricular coordinators
• Reduction of Speech Teacher position
• Sports mergers due to participation levels
• Reduction of Athletic Trainer services
• Reduction of School Resource Officer services
• Reduction in supplies district-wide
• Additional use of $600,000 in fund balance, bringing the total to $1.2 million
Additional Reductions Under a Contingency Budget
• French - 1 Teacher
• Math - 1 Teacher
• Music - 1 Teacher
• Art - 1 Teacher
• English - 1 Teacher (including loss of Reading 6, AIS, and Leadership)
• Social Worker reduction
• Physical Education reduction (loss of Athletic Coordinator)
• Essex County Prevention services
• Elimination of all AVCS athletics
Many taxpayers remain frustrated over rising costs, inflation, and the increasing financial pressure being placed on families already stretched thin. Some residents have concerns about tax increases, while others worry about the impact a failed budget could have on opportunities available to our students.
Regardless of where you stand, there are productive ways to be part of the conversation and help support our schools and community.
Residents can:
• Review the district budget documents before voting.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and ask questions.
• Volunteer with booster clubs and fundraising organizations.
• Support local youth sports, music, and extracurricular programs.
• Participate in community fundraising events.
• Encourage local businesses to sponsor student activities.
• Organize equipment and supply drives for athletic and music programs.
• Advocate for additional state aid and grant opportunities.
• Engage in respectful conversations with neighbors and community members.
At the end of the day, the only way we will find solutions is through neighbors helping neighbors and communities working together. Nothing will ever be resolved through arguments on social media. Lasting solutions are built through respectful dialogue, community involvement, and people coming together to address challenges locally.
Our students, families, taxpayers, and community all benefit when we focus on collaboration rather than division.
AVCS WEPAGE: https://avcs.org/
Our local JCEO office continues to provide valuable services and resources to residents throughout our community.
The Community Cares Shelves are open Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a variety of clothing and household items free of charge. The Food Pantry is also available during those same hours. To access pantry services, please bring the following documentation:
• Photo ID
• Proof of Income
• Proof of Residence
In addition, Clinton Community College is offering FREE Associate Degree opportunities for eligible adult learners. If you have ever considered furthering your education, this may be a great opportunity to explore.
For more information on any of these programs and services, please contact Renee at JCEO by calling 518-647-5411, Extension 3.
The Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District, in partnership with the Town of Black Brook Highway Department, will be hosting the 2026 Tire Round-Up on Thursday, June 4, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Town of Black Brook Highway Garage, 208 Silver Lake Road, Au Sable Forks.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of eligible tires. Please see the event poster for complete details, including accepted tire types and program requirements.
Elizabethtown Community Hospital will be hosting a CPR & “Stop the Bleed” event on June 10th from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Jay Fire Department. This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. To register, please call 518-585-3761.
Baseball and softball schedules have been released. If you’re interested in watching some local youth games, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face. A schedule of the home games is provided below.
Clinton County Youth Court is looking for new members! Youth in grades 7-12 are welcome to join. An upcoming training will be held July 1st and 2nd. If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out an application using the link below:
https://forms.gle/gS72sG3hYtzHwR75A
Questions can be directed to Project Coordinator Eliza Barney at eliza.barney@clintoncountyny.gov.
This week's photo is credited to Julie Evoy Photography.
Julie has once again captured the beauty of nature in our community. These adorable baby foxes make for a truly special photograph, showcasing the wildlife that calls our area home. This photo was captured at Fern Lake.
Thank you for the opportunity to help keep you informed about the happenings in our community.
I hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing weekend.
Supervisor Jon P. Douglass
Town of Black Brook
PO Box 715
AuSable Forks, NY 12912
Tel: 518-647-5411
Meetings
2nd Monday at 6pm
Office Hours
7:00 a.m. - 2:30pm
