Village Board Minutes

April 21, 2011 (59)

A special meeting of the Village Board was held April 21, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the Village Hall, 244 Main Street.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order.

Roll Call: Trustee Denno, Trustee Densmore and Trustee Lescault were present; Trustee Enekes was excused.

Also present: Supt Lozier, Dissolution/Shared Services Cmte Chairperson Tim Murphy and Clerk/Treas Colson.

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Mayor Diana Smith of the Village of Seneca Falls addressed the Board about the upcoming dissolution of her Village.  The Village of Seneca Falls voted to dissolve in March 2010; the dissolution is to take place December 31, 2011.  Mayor Smith outlined the unique situation of Seneca Falls in that the Village population is 73% that of the Town and that the Town has a large revenue stream from the largest landfill in the northeast located in the Town.  The Village’s former tax rate was $16.80 per thousand.   The dissolution study estimated a 48% reduction in Village taxes according to the dissolution plan presented for the vote.  The savings were due to cost shifting to the Town, there were very little actual savings or efficiencies.  The Town leaders refused to endorse the dissolution plan and as the dissolution date approaches the Town is backing out of some of the proposed changes.  As a result, the taxpayers may not recognize the 48% reduction in taxes that they expected.

Mayor Smith discussed difficulties including low voter turnout, inability to educate the public without appearing biased, and the reluctance of State agencies to provide assistance.  Many of the issues needed clarification with State agencies including who would be responsible for unemployment claims of employees not hired by the Town.  Mayor Smith stated the Village of Seneca Falls Board adopted the dissolution plan in order to allow voters to decide the issue, in retrospect Mayor Smith feels the plan should not have been approved without the Town committing to the plan or entering into a memorandum of understanding.

NEW BUSINESS

Don Briner of the Corinth Little League informed the Board that the Little League parade would be Saturday, April 30.  The Board thanked Mr. Briner for his 61 years of involvement and service to the Little League.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved proposal by Cleveland Brothers to plant and care for village flowers at the cost of $3,998.20.
Carried – 3 – 0

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore that Board adjourn, 7:35 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer