FAQ


1. What is a Dissolution Plan?
2. Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Dissolution Process?
3. Does Port Henry need a Dissolution Plan?
4. What is the next step after the referendum?
5. Will there be additional public meetings?
6. Will the Town of Moriah vote on the Dissolution Plan?
7. How can I submit a question or concern?
8. Where can I locate more information about the Dissolution Process & Findings?
9. Are there other examples in the State of dissolutions?


  1. What is a Dissolution Plan?

General Municipal Law Article 17-A provides a unified process for the consolidation and dissolution of local government entities. The process is applicable to towns, villages, fire protection districts, special improvement districts, other improvement districts created pursuant to Articles 11, 12, 12-a or 13 of Town Law, and other districts created by law. Under Article 17-A of General Municipal Law there are two different methods for local governments to consider: Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated. The process for either consolidation or dissolution is the same.

The Village of Port Henry has not voted to dissolve therefore a Dissolution Plan is not required. However, the Village Board has determined it appropriate to develop an Interim Dissolution Study, to assist the residents of Port Henry  in understanding the effects and costs of dissolution, as well as any potential alternatives that may be preferred prior to the vote on dissolution. In addition to this Study, the Village will host a series of public information meetings to answer questions regarding the process and potential outcomes.  The study and meetings are funded by the New York State Department of State. top

  1. Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Dissolution process?

This is a Citizen-Initiated Dissolution process. On June 25, 2015, the electorate of the Village of Port Henry submitted a petition for dissolution in accordance with the Article 17-A of General Municipal Law. The petition contained 112 valid signatures. The Village Board of Trustees passed a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed dissolution by the electors on July 31, 2015.

The Village will vote on dissolution on October 27, 2015. top

  1. Does Port Henry need a Dissolution Plan?

The Village of Port Henry residents will vote on October 27, 2015, on whether to dissolve the Village. A Dissolution Plan is not required unless the referendum vote passes. However the Village Board has determined it appropriate to develop an Interim Dissolution Study, to assist the residents of Port Henry  in understanding the effects and costs of dissolution, as well as any potential alternatives that may be preferred prior to the vote on dissolution. In addition to this Study, the Village will host a series of public information meetings to answer questions regarding the process and potential outcomes.  The study and meetings are funded by the New York State Department of State. top

 

  1. What is the next step after the referendum?

If the vote passes, the Village Board will be required to meet within 30 days following the referendum vote. The Village Board will then create a Dissolution Plan and set a future public hearing.top

 

  1. Will there be additional public meetings?

Yes. The Village Board wants to provide as much educational information to the public prior to the vote. Additional public meetings will be scheduled before October 27, 2015.

Check the website often for additional information. top

 

  1. Will the Town of Moriah vote on the Dissolution Plan?

No. The Town of Moriah will have no vote in the Village’s dissolution process. This is considered a local government decision. Only the residents of the Village of Port Henry are permitted to participate in the referendum on October 27, 2015.top

 

  1. How can I submit a question or concern?

Questions or concerns can be emailed to the Village of Port Henry or to the Village’s consultant, Laberge Group – Nicole Allen.

Written comments may be submitted directly to the Village at:
4303 Main Street
Port Henry, New York 12974top

 

  1. Where can I locate more information about the Dissolution Process & Findings?

Check this website periodically for updates. It will be available on this site, in the local newspaper, and posted at the Village Hall.top

  1. Are there other examples in the State of dissolutions?

Yes. Please use this link to access the New York State Department of State’s list of Dissolved and Incorporated Villages.top