Committee Responses to Questions 10-20-10
Q. When would State incentive funds become available to the community?
Q. Is new AIM a one-year revenue for the community?
Q. The current Town-outside-Village tax rate is $2.24 per $1,000 assessed value – what does that cover?
A. Costs for the Town's code enforcement officer and joint planning board.
Q. Under current state law, if the Village dissolves and merges operations in the Town, the consolidated government is eligible for a state incentive. Would the incentive be used to benefit taxpayers?
A. The state incentive is known as "new AIM" (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities). Based on current budgets, new AIM is projected to be $84,908. The Committee's Dissolution Plan calls for the incentive funds to be used to reduce the property tax and/or help build a small contingency reserve for the community. (Neither the Village nor Town currently budget for contingencies.) Under either option, taxpayers would benefit.
Q. When would State incentive funds become available to the community?
A. State incentive funds become available in the year following the effective date of dissolution. If dissolution is approved by Village voters on March 15, 2011, the Village continues until December 31, 2012.
Q. Is new AIM a one-year revenue for the community?
A. AIM is an annual appropriation of the New York State Legislature. Under existing New York law, new AIM is not a one-year benefit. Future annual percentage increases from the State are to be based upon the first year's total AIM payment (current AIM + new AIM). Using the current budget year and existing New York law to project the impact on the Edwards community, the Committee report shows:
Current combined AIM for the Village and Town = $13,747.
New AIM in Year 1 following Dissolution = $84,908.
New base for future annual percentage increases in AIM = $98,655.
Q. If the Village dissolves, in general most Village laws and ordinances, except those that are outdated or not applicable, would be folded into Town law. Would this involve a public process?
A. Yes
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why a dissolution study now?
Q. Are there other recent examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
Q. How many NY villages have dissolved?
Q. If dissolution is ultimately approved by voters, would the name of Edwards change?
Q. What will happen to my services?
Q. What are the major steps in the dissolution 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. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
Q. Why a dissolution study now?
A. The Village Board successfully applied for a high priority planning grant from NYS's Local Government Efficiency (LGE) program. The major goals of the study are to: a) outline the fiscal and non-fiscal advantages and disadvantages of dissolution; b) identify how Village services will be continued should voters approve dissolution; and c) establish an orderly process for the disposition of Village assets and liabilities if dissolution is approved.
Q. Are there other recent examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
A. Between January 2008 and October 2010, 17 village dissolution votes were held. Six villages voted for dissolution and 11 rejected it. The six that voted to dissolve are Seneca Falls, Limestone, Perrysburg, Pike, Randolph and East Randolph. The 11 rejecting dissolution are Johnson City, Brockport, Port Henry, Macedon, Speculator, Farnham, Sloan, Williamsville, Lakewood, Cuba, and Waddington.
Q. How many NY villages have dissolved?
A. 43 since 1920. For list, click here.
Q. If dissolution is ultimately approved by voters, would the name of Edwards change?
A. Since the Village and Town share the same name, dissolving the Village simply means it will no longer be the "Village" of Edwards. The entire community will be referred to as Edwards.
Q. What will happen to my services?
A. The committee, working with the Center for Governmental Research, is recommending a dissolution plan that would result in no change in services. For details, see the Dissolution Plan on the "Documents" page of this website.
Q. What are the major steps in the dissolution plan process?
A. Article 19 of NYS Village Law determines the exact requirements of a dissolution process. Learn more
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 a problem using the email form, please send an email directly to Vicki Brown at vbrown@cgr.org.
Q. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
A. If Village of Edwards voters approve dissolution, the Town of Edwards would become the responsible government for those living in the former Village. Only registered voters in the Village will decide whether to dissolve the Village.
