Frequently Asked Questions
The study team will add to and/ or update the FAQs, as appropriate, during the course of the study.
Q. What is a Co-Terminous Town and Village?
Q. Are there other examples in New York where Towns and Villages are become co-terminous?
Q. Are there other examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
Q. What will happen to my services?
Q. What are the major steps in the dissolution plan process?
Q. Who is on the study team?
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 Village and Town?
Q. Who decides if there is a vote regarding becoming co-terminous?
Q. If the Village dissolved, who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
Q. What is a Co-Terminous Town and Village?
A. In New York State, Villages and Towns that share the same boundary are called co-terminous towns/villages. While both entities are legally recognized by the state, state law makes provision for one governing body to manage both concurrently. In other words, there is one board, one elected "supervisor"and generally one government office to conduct the affairs for both entities. Whether the co-terminous entity is recognized principally as a Town or principally as a Village is dependent on the will of the people in the creation of the combined government. The principal designation then determines whether the primary elected "supervisor" is a Town Supervisor or Village Mayor, even though that individual will serve both roles.
Q. Are there other examples in New York where Towns and Villages are co-terminous?
A. Presently there are five recognized co-terminous towns/villages in New York State. A few of them pre-date the modern era while the most recent was formed around 1980 when the Village of East Rochester petitioned to create a new Town of East Rochester that is co-terminous with the Village. Prior to that, the village straddled to other towns.
Q. Are there other examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
A. Yes, The most recent village dissolutions were in March, 2010 when the Villages of Seneca Falls, Perrysburg, Randolph and East Randolph voted to dissolve. Residents in the Village of Port Henry in the Adirondacks voted down the proposition to dissolve. Prior to that, the Village of Pike dissolved into the Town of Pike in 2008. That same year, two other dissolution propositions were voted down by village residents in Speculator and Macedon.
Q. What will happen to my services?
A. We need to complete the study to answer this question. By September, 2010 the study team will have completed reports outlining what exists in the community and the options available for consolidation. Â The reports will outline the pros and cons of various options for residents of the Village and Town. The Committee will hold public forums throughout the process for the community to comment on the options.
Q. What are the major steps in a dissolution plan process?
A. Article 19 of the NYS Village Law determines the exact requirements of a dissolution process. Whether by voter petition or board initiative, a vote of village residents would determine the fate of the Village. If approved, a dissolution plan would be developed and would also need to be approved prior to formal dissolution. Learn more
Q. Who is on the study team?
A. The study team consists of a cross-section of community leaders and residents, appointed by the Village and Town councils. 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. If you have problems using the email form, please send an email directly to Scott Sittig (ssittig@cgr.org).
Q. What is the population of the Village and Town?
A. The 2008 census population estimates are 5,336 residents in the Town with 4,484 of those living in the Village. Thus, the Village represents 84% of the total population of the Town.
Q. Who decides if there is a vote regarding becoming co-terminous?
A. In order for a village and town to become co-terminous, the respective councils must determine such a decision would be in the best interest of the community. Should both councils approve a resolution to put the decision as a referendum on the ballot, then residents in the community would vote on the matter. The process is similar to a process involved for annexation of land by one municipality into another. Residents of the Village would vote on the matter and residents outside of the Village would vote on the matter separately. The vote of Village residents would have to pass my majority and the vote of those outside the village would have to pass by majority. If either vote failed, the referendum would fail.
Q. If the Village dissolved, who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
A. If the Village were to dissolve, the Town would become the responsible government for those living in the former Village. While Village residents are already voting members of the Town, Town government would become responsible for the services, personnel, assets and liabilities of the former Village government. The specifics of what would transfer and what would not would have to be included in a dissolution plan and presented to the community as part of the process. Only registered voters in the Village will decide whether to dissolve the Village.
