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Administration

Village administration is responsible for the daily operations of municipal government and the implementation of policies adopted by the Village Board of Trustees.

The Village of Saranac Lake operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Under this structure, the Village Board establishes policy and legislative direction, while the Village Manager oversees the day-to-day administration and operation of Village government.

Administrative staff coordinate financial management, records administration, personnel, public works operations, infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, and delivery of municipal services across Village departments.

Offices

Village administrative offices are located on the second floor of the Harrietstown Town Hall.

Address:
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Phone: 518-891-4150

Public Service

The Village of Saranac Lake employs more than 50 staff members who provide essential public services throughout the community, including:

  • Public Works
  • Water and Sewer Operations
  • Police and Fire Services
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Community Development and Code Enforcement
  • Finance

The Village is also supported by more than 50 appointed volunteers serving on committees, advisory boards, and task forces that assist with community planning, policy review, recreation, housing, development, and other municipal initiatives.

Appointed Officers

Under New York State Village Law, four administrative positions are designated as appointed public offices.

These positions include:

  • Manager
  • Clerk
  • Treasurer
  • Deputy Clerk/Treasurer

These offices are appointed by the Mayor with approval of the Village Board of Trustees in accordance with applicable New York State law. Certain appointed public offices may also carry statutory eligibility requirements, including residency requirements established under New York State Public Officers Law and Village Law.

The Village is committed to professional administration, lawful governance, and responsive public service.

The Village of Saranac Lake is proud to serve its residents through an efficient and responsible governance. Our Council-Manager form of government streamlines our decision-making processes, allowing us to respond quickly to the needs of our community. Our approach is to work collaboratively, building long-term relationships that benefit the whole community.

Under this form of government, the elected body hires a professional manager to implement its policies. The Manager serves at the pleasure of the Board and their duties include:

  • Preparing the annual budget
  • Overseeing day-to-day operations in the Village’s departments
  • Recruiting, hiring, and supervising Village staff
  • Implementing policies of the Board of Trustees

Village Manager, Brandee Reiley
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 518-891-4150 ext. 205

The Village Clerk is appointed by the Mayor and subject to the approval by the Board of Trustees. The Clerk provides many important services to the residents of Saranac Lake, including but not limited to the following:

  • Preparing agendas for Village Board meetings
  • Preparing all Village Board meeting minutes
  • Filing of local laws
  • Managing all Village records
  • Responding to Freedom of Information Requests
  • Processing Park Use Permits
  • HR related functions
  • Maintaining written notices of defect which are reported pursuant to Village Code §181-1
  • Managing Village elections as the Village Election Officer.

In addition, the Clerk is the liaison for community events in public spaces and coordinates a variety of special events for the Village.

Village Clerk, Laura Ferranti
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 518-891-4150 ext. 202

The Treasurer is the Chief Fiscal Officer of the Village and is responsible for maintaining custody of all funds and accounts as well as the financial operations budgets totaling over $9 million.

The Treasurer's Office is comprised of accounting, tax collecting and utility billing. The department is responsible for maintaining the Village's financial assets and investments, as well as overseeing tax collection, water/sewer billing, and payroll. The department provides a number of finance-related services including:

  • Preparation of the Annual Budgetfor the General Operating Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund
  • Annual reporting to the NY State Comptroller's Office
  • Facilitation of the annual independent audit
  • Budget oversight
  • Processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable

Village Treasurer, Chrissie Wais
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 518-891-4150 ext. 231

The Deputy Clerk/Treasurer supports administrative coordination, HR functions, payroll, internal operations, and communications.

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, Cassandra Van Cott
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 518-891-4150 ext. 237