Snowy roads and freezing temperatures have defined February in the Town of Canandaigua, and town leaders say there’s plenty happening beyond the winter weather.
The February edition of the town’s e-newsletter covers everything from a major town hall meeting in March to property tax deadlines, bald eagle nesting season, and expanded oak wilt quarantines.
Town Supervisor Don Cotter said he has fielded questions about property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. He said the state recently shifted a new law from optional to mandatory at the local level, then sent it back to the legislature for clarification and possible expansion. He noted that nothing will take place until 2027.
Cotter also said the Town Board plans to increase transparency around spending and answer questions about essential services, grants, partnerships, and how to protect vulnerable residents when discussing taxes. He invited residents to attend the town’s first Town Hall meeting on March 23.
He also addressed concerns about immigrant protections. Cotter said he met with Sheriff Cirencione, who assured him the Sheriff’s Office will enforce judicial warrants but will not cooperate in unlawful activities by ICE or Border Patrol and will not target or question the immigration status of residents who are in the community legally.
Tax bills and assessment deadlines
Town Clerk and Receiver of Taxes Crystelyn Laske said second notices for 2025 Town and County tax bills will be mailed the week of March 2. Property owners who have not paid in full must do so by 4 p.m. on March 31. After that, unpaid bills will be forwarded to the Ontario County Treasurer’s Office.
Residents can pay online, in person, or by mail. Officials encouraged anyone mailing a payment to request a hand postmark to ensure it is dated on or before March 31.
Town Assessor Michelle Rowlinson urged residents to review their property assessments annually. She reminded homeowners that assessors determine property values, not tax rates. Anyone who disagrees with an assessment should first request an informal meeting. Grievance Day is set for May 26. Residents who still disagree after that can file a Small Claims Assessment Review with State Supreme Court.
All exemption applications and renewals, including Senior Citizen and Agricultural exemptions, are due March 1.
Environment and wildlife updates
The newsletter also spotlights environmental concerns. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has expanded oak wilt quarantine districts in the region to include the towns of Middlesex, Italy, and South Bristol, and parts of Bristol and Naples. Oak wilt is a fatal fungal disease that affects oak trees and can spread through root systems and insects.
The Environmental Conservation Board reissued guidance on preventing oak wilt, including avoiding pruning during warmer months and never transporting unseasoned firewood.
In a lighter note, the newsletter highlights bald eagle nesting season. Eagles begin nesting in mid-February and March, with eggs hatching in April or early May. Officials pointed to the Montezuma Wildlife Complex as a prime viewing location and noted that 89 bald eagles were counted there in January, a record number.
Community highlights
The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department reported responding to just under 50 calls in January and recently hosted a New York State ice and cold water rescue training. The department is also preparing for new rescue and ladder trucks expected to arrive in about two years.
The Water Department encouraged residents with digital meters to sign up for the free Eye On Water leak alert system, which can notify users of unusual water use 24 to 48 hours before the town receives alerts.
The town also introduced the newest named snowplow in its fleet, “The Powerful Snow Cloud,” a name chosen by a second grade class at Canandaigua Primary–Elementary School.
Officials are seeking volunteers for several boards and committees, including the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Special Events Committee, Open Space Team, and an alternate position on the Ontario County Planning Board.
The newsletter also includes a deep dive into the history of Kershaw Park, details about upcoming holidays and events, and information on how residents can connect with town staff, attend meetings, and download the MyTOC app.
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