Frequently Asked Questions
The study team will add to and/ or update the FAQs, as appropriate, during the course of the study.
Q. Why a consolidation study now?
Q. Are there other examples where a city and town in New York have consolidated?
Q. If consolidation is ultimately approved by voters, would the name of Batavia change?
Q. Will it be a City or a Town?
Q. What are the major steps in the consolidation plan process?
Q. How will we know if there is something new the study team can tell the community?
Q. How can I raise a question or make a comment for the study team to consider?
Q. What is the population of the City and Town?
Q. What is the land mass for the City and Town?
Q. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
Q. How does the Study Committee propose defining tiered tax zones for a single entity?
Q. If Batavia becomes a city, will I still be able to hunt inside the existing Town?
Q. Why a consolidation study now?
A. The City and Town were awarded a New York State Shared Municipal Services (SMSI) grant to identify ways to make the joint operations of the two governments more effective and efficient. Learn more
Q. Are there other examples where a city and town in New York have consolidated?
A. No, Batavia would be the first, and if consolidation is approved the local community would be a model for other communities within and outside the state. Because this is a first in New York, the Committee is obtaining guidance from state officials, and will involve the State Legislature to approve certain elements, once the plan is known.
Q. If consolidation is ultimately approved by voters, would the name of Batavia change?
A. There is widespread agreement to use the name Batavia.
Q. Will it be a City or a Town?
A. On June 1, 2009 the study team completed a report outlining options for a new consolidated model, which included a separate white paper outlining the pros and cons of becoming a City or Town (see Considerations for Becoming Town or City). The Committee held public forums on June 18 and June 30 2009 for the community to provide feedback to the Committee. The Committee's final recommendation is that the consolidated entity be a City. For details, see Plan for Consolidating the City & Town of Batavia in One Government.
Q. What are the major steps in the consolidation plan process?
A. The study team created an intial flowchart showing key steps, and in its final plan outlined a new timetable for consolidation. Learn more
Q. Who is on the study team?
A. The study team consists of a cross-section of community leaders and residents, jointly appointed by the City and Town. To see the list of members, Click here
Q. How will we know if there is something new the study team can tell the community?
A. Check this website periodically for updates. When there is a major addition to the site, we'll send an email alert. Sign-up for email alerts if you would like to receive them. Sign up for Email Alerts
Q. How can I raise a question or make a comment for the study team to consider?
A. To email the study team, click here.
Q. What is the population of the City and Town?
A. The Census 2007 estimates show 5,897 residents in the Town and 15,271 in the City. Together the City and Town account for 36% of Genessee County's total estimated population of 58,122.
Q. What is the land mass for the City and Town?
A. The City (which is totally within the Town) is 5.2 square miles and the Town (not including the City) is 48.4 square miles.
Q. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
A. The Committee recommends that the combined entity be a city led by a mayor and council. The voters will decide who will be elected to lead the new entity.
Q. How does the study committee propose defining tiered tax zones for a single entity?
A. The Committee proposes defining the tax zones as follows:
• Tier 1 = the entire community, encompassing the existing City and Town of Batavia
• Tier 2 = the existing City of Batavia
• Tier 3 = the existing Town of Batavia
Q. If Batavia becomes a city, will I still be able to hunt inside the existing Town?
A. Hunting is not impacted by whether or not Batavia consolidates into a single entity. Hunting is regulated by the state. According to the Hunting and Trapping Guide issued by the NYS Department of Conservation, it is illegal to discharge a firearm or bow within 500 feet of a school, playground, occupied factory or church or within 500 feet of a dwelling, farm building or structure in occupation or use unless you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner's consent. There is an exemption for hunting waterfowl over water within 500 feet, as long as the hunter is not shooting in the direction of buildings, structures, etc.
