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Saranac Lake trustees approve $20,000 for Can‑Am Rugby after public appeal
Summary
After public comments highlighting tourism and a reported $6 million regional economic impact, trustees approved a $20,000 allocation from the publicity fund for Can‑Am Rugby in the 2026–2027 budget year; the board debated and amended the funding term before voting.
Public comment and a formal board resolution led the Saranac Lake Village Board to approve $20,000 in publicity-fund support for the Can‑Am Rugby tournament on May 11.
Multiple speakers urged continued Village backing for the event. Cameron Moody of Can‑Am Rugby requested continued Village funding and highlighted a free, family-friendly Riverside Park carnival tied to the tournament. Matt Dorian of the North Country Sports Council estimated the event generates roughly $6 million in regional economic impact and urged reinvestment of bed-tax revenue toward major events. Jennifer Mott, a Can‑Am Rugby board member, relayed business community support via a letter from Johnny Williams. Eric Wilson of Good Guy Productions described how carnival programming, advertising and livestreams support local businesses. Franklin County Legislator Joe Schoemaker also spoke in support of funding, noting the tournament's economic benefits.
On the agenda as Bill 107-2026, the board considered authorization to use $20,000 from the Publicity Fund. Trustee Ryan moved the measure and Trustee Evans seconded. The board approved a motion to amend the funding term so the $20,000 applies to the 2026–2027 budget year only; following the amendment the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.
The resolution directs the expenditure from the 2026–2027 publicity budget. The minutes record the board's rationale emphasizing tourism and local economic activity; the vote was recorded as unanimous.
Next steps: The board-approved allocation will be included in the 2026–2027 budget cycle as described in the resolution.
