Frequently Asked Questions
The study team will add to and/ or update the FAQs, as appropriate, during the course of the study.
Q1. Why a dissolution study now?
Q2. When will a vote on village dissolution take place?
Q3. Are there other examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
Q4. What will happen to my services?
Q5. What are the major steps in the dissolution plan process?
Q6. Who is on the study team?
Q7. How will we know if there is something new the study team can tell the community?
Q8. How can I raise a question or make a comment for the study team to consider?
Q9. What is the population of the Village and Town?
Q10: Why can only Village voters vote on dissolution and not all town residents?
Q11. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
Q12. May I attend Dissolution Study Committee meetings?
Q1. Why a dissolution study now?
A1. In November 2009, the Village Board of Trustees received a petition to dissolve the Village of Victory. The Village Board appointed a dissolution study committee to examine the impact of dissolution and to develop a draft dissolution plan. The study is being funded by a grant from the NYS Local Government Efficiency program.
Q2. When will a vote on village dissolution take place?
A2. The vote on the proposition for dissolution is scheduled to take place during the March 2013 election.
Q3. Are there other recent examples where a village and town in New York have consolidated?
A3. Yes. In March 2011, the Village of Edwards approved dissolving the village and merging operations with the Town of Edwards. In March 2010, voters in four villages in NY approved dissolving their villages and consolidating operations in the towns in which they are located. Effective Dec. 31, 2011 the Villages of Seneca Falls, Perrysburg, East Randolph and Randolph will dissolve. In 2008, voters in the Village of Pike also approved dissolution and consolidation with the Town of Pike.
Q4. What will happen to my services?
A4. We need to complete the study to answer this question. By summer 2012 the study team will have completed a report outlining the dissolution plan, and will be able to outline the pros and cons of various options for residents of the Village and Town. The Committee will hold public forums for the community to comment on the plan.
Q5. What are the major steps in the dissolution plan process?
A5. Article 19 of the NYS Village Law determines the exact requirements of a dissolution process. The Committee will be following the requirements for this process as well as suggestions proposed by NYS as they consider the alternatives. Learn more
Q6. Who is on the study team?
A6. The study team consists of a cross-section of community leaders and residents, appointed by the Village Board of Trustees. Technical support to the committee is provided by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR). To see the list of members, click here.
Q7. How will we know if there is something new the study team can tell the community?
A7. 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.
Q8. How can I raise a question or make a comment for the study team to consider?
A8. To email the study team, click here. If you have problems using the email form, please send an email directly to Kent Gardner (kgardner@cgr.org).
Q9. What is the population of the Village and Town?
A9. The 2010 Census reports that 5,674 residents live in the Town of Saratoga. Of those, 605 live in the Village of Victory, 1,386 live in the Village of Schuylerville and 3,683 live in the Town-Outside-Village (TOV). Thus, the Village of Victory represents 11% of the total population of the Town.
Q10. Why can only Village voters vote on dissolution and not all town residents?
A10: The Village of Victory was established by a group of Town citizens who voted to be taxed differently for their services and to be governed by another group of elected representatives – the Village Board. Now, essentially 160 years later, Village voters are the ones to decide whether to remain separate or to dissolve this structure. As such, New York State law provides that only Village residents can vote to dissolve their Village.
Q11. Who would lead a combined entity? Who decides?
A11. 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, assets and liabilities of the former Village government. The specifics of what would transfer and what would not will be studied and presented to the community through the dissolution plan.
Q12. May I attend Dissolution Study Committee meetings?
A12. Please Do! There is no better way to stay informed about our process. The dates and times of upcoming meetings are listed on this website.
