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Town Clerk’s
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Contact the Town Clerk:
Julie Stenger, Town Clerk
Town of Skaneateles
24 Jordan Street
Skaneateles, NY 13152
315-685-3473
or
jstenger@townofskaneateles.com
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Town Supervisor
Chris Legg
The Town awarded the Andrews Road water district extension and water tower contract to the Casinella Excavating of Warners NY. As the low bidder, Casinella is well qualified to complete the project. Despite escalating labor and material costs, we kept the project cost at the original 2018 estimated cost of $7.7M by changing the system design and the pipe material. Work will begin as weather permits. Due to long lead items, the project will be completed in early 2027. The NYS DEC $4.4M and US EPA $1.85M grants remain intact to pay for most of the project. The remaining cost is covered by bonding. The Town water system is financed as an enterprise fund. The costs are borne by Town water customers only. There is no tax on Village residents or Town residents without water service.
The first major improvement to the Austin Arena is completed at $300K below budget. Austin Park sports equipment, tools, and lawn mowers are stored in the north end of the building. No trucks are parked in the improved area. The electrical system upgrade includes a 100-amp service outlet for soundstage and other high amperage uses. The Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department will no longer spend thousands of dollars on generator rental. Other community activities may also use the improved electrical system. Some additional landscape and tree planting will continue as weather permits. The work also restored heating in the south end of the building.
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News from the Town Clerk's Office
Julie Stenger
Spring is here and Summer is right around the corner, if you have a short term rental in Skaneateles do not forget that you will need to register with the Town and pay a quarterly 5% Occupancy Tax. The Local Law was approved in 2023. Property Owners that rent their property for less than 30 days must register with the Town and pay the tax quarterly. Vist our website for more information:
https://www.townofskaneateles.gov/departments/town-clerk/town-of-skaneateles-occupancy-tax/?stage=Stage
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Getting Married?
The Town Clerk’s office issues New York State Marriage Licenses.
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Spring is here and so is fishing season!
Get your NYS fishing license at the Town Clerk’s Office.
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News from the Staff Engineer
Miranda Robinson
Andrews Road Water Tower Project Moves Forward
Skaneateles is moving forward with the critical Andrews Road water tower and district extension project, aimed at bolstering water capacity and fire suppression capabilities. With final NYS Department of Health approval received in December 2025 and a bid awarded in February 2026, this long-awaited project, backed by major state and federal grants, is moving toward construction.
The project is supported by a $4.4 million grant from the NYS DEC and a $1.85 million federal grant, minimizing costs to local water customers. The town has received several letters of support from local residents and businesses alike on the western gateway. With the installation of this new infrastructure the town will be positioned favorably for any new development.
Casinella Construction was awarded the bid earlier this year and will look to start construction in June of 2026. Please look to the website in the next coming months for updates on the water tower project!
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Streetlights
If you see a streetlight that is out, please email mrobinson@townofskaneateles.com with a pole number and an intersection. The Town now owns the streetlights and is partnered with the New York Power Authority to get the lights fixed in a timely fashion. Thanks!
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Climate Smart Communities Task Force Wants YOU!
The Town of Skaneateles Climate Smart Community Task Force will serve as a central body of leadership dedicated to developing and implementing strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance environmental resilience. The Task Force will focus on educating the community, securing funding for green projects, and monitoring progress towards our climate goals. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the Climate Smart Community Task Force will play a crucial role in making Skaneateles a leader in environmental sustainability. Please sign up today by sending a letter to: mrobinson@townofskaneateles.com
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The Open Space Committee is Looking for Members!
The Town's Open Space Committee supports the preservation of open space within the community.
If you are interested in joining the Committee, please send a letter or email of interest to Julie Stenger, Town Clerk. jstenger@townofskaneateles.com
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News from the Outreach Office
Jacque McConnaghy & Jean Babbles
It’s finally starting to feel like spring, and summer will be here before you know it! Kids will be going to the summer playday program once it gets here. We are so happy that we were able to provide scholarships for some students in need to attend the program. We wish them a joyful summer full of fun with friends!
The medical loan closet has been extremely busy this spring, residents taking advantage of this service for elective surgical procedures as well as unexpected medical events. Currently we need lightweight wheelchairs and transport chairs, if you have one you are no longer using, we are looking for donations.
The Outreach office is available for member of our community who are experiencing difficulties and need help navigating the road ahead. If you are a resident in the Town of Skaneateles or have a child in the Skaneateles School district and find that you need assistance, please contact our office for confidential help, 315-685-0427 or 315-283-4281. Email outreach@townofskaneateles.com
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News from the Ecumenical Food Pantry
Linda Miller & Karen Fenner
As sunshine and warmer weather returns to Central New York, many of us grow busier whether it be with yard chores, trips, or family celebrations. What doesn’t change is our need at the Food Pantry for consistent support to keep our shelves well-stocked.
During this beautiful springtime, please continue to think of our neighbors struggling to make ends meet with inflationary pressure on not only food, but on all necessities. Ways to give are listed below. Thank you to our church partners, community organizations, and generous individuals who remember year-round those who are less fortunate.
As a case in point, we truly appreciate the Skaneateles Rotary Club supporting the pantry with its community food drive in late April. All donations stay right within our service area.
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Grievance Day 2026
Susan Dove, Town Board Member, Liaison to the Assessor’s Office
Just a quick reminder that if you wish to grieve your tax assessment you may do so with the Town Tax Assessor, Michael Maxwell by calling Town Hall at 315-685-0745 or e-mailing acase@townofskaneateles.com to set up an appointment. The tentative tax assessment roll will be published on or about May 1, 2026. Any changes/increases in your tax assessment will be mailed to you after May 1, 2026. Meeting with the Tax Assessor prior to grievance day is called the “stipulation” period.
If you cannot come to agreement with the Town Assessor during the stipulation period, then you may grieve your assessment to the Board of Assessment Review on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Many thanks to our current Board of Assessors: Molly Elliott, Chairperson, Guy Donahoe, Stephanie Devins, Michael Card, and Michael Zuber. Appointments are highly encouraged by calling or emailing the phone or email address above. Walk-ins will be seen on a first come-first serve basis on May 26th.
The entire Town of Skaneateles tax roll can be seen online by going to: ocfintax.ongov.net. Click on: *“Click here for public access”
*Then check the “agree to terms box”
*Complete the information on the following page to gain access to your tax assessment.
Thank you to everyone for your part in making the Town of Skaneateles assessment process fair and equitable for all.
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Moorings in Skaneateles Lake
Karen Barkdull, Town Planner
Most buoys and markers in the water, other than navigational aids, are considered floating objects and may require a permit to place. Common floating objects include bathing beach markers, speed zone markers, information markers, swimming or diving floats, mooring buoys, and ski jumps. Maintenance and replacement of floating objects, as well as permit renewal, are the responsibility of the permit holder. New mooring applications will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Marine Sheriff approving the location. Moorings should be renewed annually through NY Parks and Recreation (see link below).
https://parks.ny.gov/activities/boating/floating-objects-navigation-aids-buoys
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Codes Office
Bob Herrmann, CEO
A few things to keep in mind as we move into Spring!
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Pool Regulations
Spring marks the beginning of pool opening season! Make sure your pool has been inspected for electrical and safety barriers, that alarms work, etc.
| | | Illegal Off-Site Advertising Signs Please keep in mind that it is illegal to place signs at street corners or in the road right-of-way. Any signs left in these areas will be removed and disposed of. | |
Swap Shop Opens May 2nd!
The Swap Shop opens at the Transfer Station on Saturday May 2nd, 8 AM to 1 PM weather permitting. It is open to all Transfer Station permit holders and located just past the recycling building. Please drop off items no later than 11:30 AM. We are unable to accept anything electrical or electronic. Baby items are limited to baby toys and baby clothes only. The Swap Shop is open most Saturdays until fall. Closures are posted on the Town website and the Transfer Station text notification program.
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Onondaga County Soil & Water (OCSWCD)
Spill Cleanup Equipment Update
By Eric Jensen, Resource Conservation Specialist
The Onondaga County Soil & Water District has taken delivery of a new Schwarze Super Vacuum trailer. It will address local needs and allow the district to mitigate/clean-up fertilizer spills on paved roads across the county in a timely manner, as part of our agricultural spill response program.
The trailer unit is designed to be towed to the site with a pickup truck. The gasoline-powered vacuum unit can cleanup dry fertilizer on paved surfaces as it is pulled over the area. The spilled pellets can be removed to the farm and utilized at the farm while local water quality is protected from potential nutrient pollution.
The unit has trailer lights as well as a safety beacon. A garage style shed is in place to store the trailer unit while not in use to protect it from the weather and always be ready to respond to an emergency. The District is thankful to NYS SAM grant funding through NYS Senator Ryan and former NYS Senator Mannion’s’ offices for this opportunity to come into reality.
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New Straw Blower
By Mark E. Burger, Program Manager
The SLWAP and OCSWCD recently took delivery of a new Finn B40 straw blower. This unit will help staff expedite seeding and mulching and establishment of final vegetation at project sites across the watershed and the County. This unit was specifically purchased as it is smaller, lighter, and able to be towed off road with a UTV into remote project sites that require vegetative stabilization.
For more information, contact the Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District office location at 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. (315) 457-0325
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Skaneateles Volunteer
Fire Department
Shane Christman and Seth Lincoln are two of our valued Town Water Department employees. Shane and Seth recently finished their rigorous training to become members of the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you for your service to our community Shane and Seth, as dedicated employees and now as volunteers! We appreciate you!
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News & Updates from the
Parks Department
Sue Murphy
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Moving Forward-
Friendly Reminders & Updates!
- Please keep your dog on a leash. There is a leash law in the Village, and the park is in the Village, so the law applies to everyone.
- Since there have been several complaints about dogs not being on a leash (or no one on the other end of the leash), our newly hired dog control officer will be walking around Austin Park not only to remind you to put a leash on your pet, but for the safety of others.
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Sport activities have begun, so please pick up after your dog
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No riding bikes on tennis courts, baseball/softball fields.
- Driving around Austin Park walking path is prohibited. Only service or emergency vehicles are permitted.
- Freshening up in the park will soon begin; please watch out for our trucks, tractors and mowers. We want to be out of your way as soon as possible, so please watch for us.
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Summer Employment Opportunities
Text Message Alerts
Farmers' Market Starts May 21st
TOS Mandana Boat Washing Station & Parking Lot
Swimming at Clift Park
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SAVES
Jerry Schinaman
In the first 3 months of 2026, SAVES responded to 279 calls. Responses in the Village and Town of Skaneateles represented 65% of the total calls.
“Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.” This is something that we teach our children. We have noticed that some residents continue to call SAVES directly in emergencies. Although we have crews on-duty 24 hours a day, the large volume of calls and time spent in the ER’S mean they may not be available when you call. If help is needed calling 9-1-1 is the only way to ensure a rapid response. We also recommend preparing lists of medications for family members which can be accessed by first responders in an emergency.
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Conservation Committee
Big thanks to the Conservation Committee for their work on the cleanup of Gully Road on April 25th!
Friendly reminder to tarp/secure loads bound for the Transfer Station as this is where a large amount of the trash is believed to originate from!
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Veterans Services Outreach
Sheri Dove, Coordinator
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News from the Village Clerk
Laurie Walter
Spring Brush Removal - May 31st is the last day
to place brush out for pick-up.
If you have brush after these dates, it may be stored on your property until Fall pick-up commences, taken to the transfer station (permit required; available at the Town office), or removed on a private contract.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Yard waste must be placed in the area between the curb and sidewalk - not in the street. Yard waste is defined as trees, branches, plants, bushes, shrubs, weeds and garden waste. NO large quantities of dirt or rocks; no plastic plant/flower containers or bags.
- If there are no sidewalks, place the brush as close to the curb as possible without placing it in the road.
- Brush must be no longer than five feet in length or eight inches in diameter.
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*Public Alert* Email Spoof
Please be aware that residents are receiving emails from a "planning commission" that appear, at first glance, to be from the Village.
Click HERE to view an example image of what the heading looks like. Please note that this says Village of Skaneateles planning commission planning.villageofskaneateles(@)usa.com. It is important to note that all Village emails come from the "villageofskaneateles.gov." NO Village email will come from an address that ends with "@usa.com" - or any other domain name.
These emails have also included a pdf called "invoice" and have asked that the balance be wired to the Village. We do not accept money wires for payments. If you ever receive an email that asks you to wire money, reach out to the vendor to make sure it is legitimate. We do not accept wires.
These scams are becoming increasingly believable. If you have questions about the legitimacy of an email that appears to come from the Village, please call us at 315-685-3440 or for our Codes & Zoning Department call 315-685-2118.
| | Department Hours & Town Meetings | |
Town Hall
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Transfer Station
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Saturday
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Village of Skaneateles
26 Fennell Street
Skaneateles, NY 13152
315-685-3440
www.villageofskaneateles.gov
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Monthly Town Hall Meetings
Town Board
6:30 p.m. 1st & 3rd Mondays
Planning Board
6:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday
Zoning Board of Appeals
7:00 p.m. 1st Tuesday
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Town Of Skaneateles
24 Jordan Street
Skaneateles, NY 13152
(315) 685-3473
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