The Town of Canandaigua ended 2025 with a nearly $2 million General Fund operating surplus and increased its fund balance to more than $9 million, according to a preliminary financial review released by town officials.
The town is considering how much of the available balance could support future projects, including grant matches, capital planning and two new snowplows, while also preparing for a proposed North Street sidewalk project and continuing a water-meter replacement program.
Town weighs uses for surplus
Town Manager John Falbo said the General Fund generated a $1.95 million operating surplus and closed the year with a balance of $9,515,948. He attributed the result primarily to sales and mortgage tax revenue that exceeded projections, along with spending management across town departments.
Some revenue included in the year-end result may be restricted or tied to reimbursements, including state and federal grants. After excluding those funds, the town's preliminary review estimates that the General Fund may have a surplus of about $1.6 million.
The Town Board is expected to review recommendations from the finance department on how much unassigned fund balance could be used for future appropriations. Options identified by officials include local matches for grants, capital improvement budgets, reserve funding and other priorities during development of the 2027 budget.
The town also needs about $600,000 for two new snowplows and matching money for state grants awarded in 2025 and 2026, according to the town newsletter.
Falbo said the Highway Fund remained within its adopted financial plan despite planned use of fund balance for operations and equipment. He also said the Consolidated Water District remained stable while supporting current operations and future capital work.
Town Supervisor Don Cotter said the town expanded its finance department from one position at the start of the year to two positions staffed by new employees. Tammy Brace joined as finance clerk and Katelyn Jenner as senior fiscal manager. Cotter said a change in the interest rate earned on town deposits is expected to produce more than $100,000 in additional interest during 2026.
North Street sidewalk planning begins
The town and city of Canandaigua have also begun discussing sidewalks along North Street between the Tops and Main Street area and Happiness House and Outhouse Park. Officials said the missing pedestrian connection became apparent while they planned parking for the town's July 4 celebration and was also identified in a sidewalk report adopted in 2024.
The preliminary schedule calls for adding an engineering study to the 2026 budget, applying for a state grant and seeking other funding in 2027, and constructing the sidewalks in 2028.
Officials estimate the project would cost about $1.5 million and require outside funding. The town said the sidewalks would improve safety for pedestrians and people who use mobility aids.
Water meters being replaced
The Water Department is replacing and updating meters for homes and businesses connected to the public water system. The work is being scheduled by meter age, beginning with the oldest equipment, and customers will receive notices by mail and email when service is needed.
The replacement is free and is performed by a town water technician arriving in a marked vehicle. Most installations take 15 to 20 minutes, and the town said water service will not be interrupted. A responsible adult must be present for appointments involving access to a home or other structure.
Appointments are available from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Customers may request an appointment by emailing water@townofcanandaigua.org with their name, property address, emergency phone number and an email address for the town's leak-notification system, or by calling 585-394-3300 during business hours.
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