CANTON — St. Lawrence County's fuel-assistance program is evolving, but maybe not in time for this winter.

The county's tentative 2009 spending plan includes $500,000 for the home heating-voucher program started in January. Looking for a more permanent solution, the county is considering spending some of that money on subsidizing home improvements such as sealing leaky windows and installing insulation.

Legislators will consider the move during this fall's budget sessions, but any money appropriated then can't be spent until next year.

There is talk of using $100,000 in reserves to cover the cost this year and spending only $400,000 on the voucher program. The Legislature would have to schedule a special session to get the money out quickly. One is scheduled for Oct. 20, but the heating program is not on the agenda.

"We've missed the eight-ball because we didn't act," said Legislator Thomas A. Nichols, R-Oswegatchie. "I wish we could have started doing stuff this spring."

Aside from a backlog of work for companies that do weatherization, the county has yet to set parameters.

"It means you could put in new windows, doors, whatever," said Legislator Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur. "Just like the fuel program, we'll have to come up with some guidelines."

One suggestion is to contract nonprofits the county already works with, such as Community Development Program, to do the work. The county otherwise could solicit bids from companies or use its own employees.

The heating-assistance program started in January when the county distributed $750,000 among 12 nonprofits. Their only directive was to apply normal screening to applicants and distribute vouchers for things such as fuel oil, natural gas and wood.

The nonprofits distributed 1,567 vouchers to moderate- and low-income residents, but the number and value of payments varied. The county and nonprofits are working this fall to set standards for assistance.