Questions & Answers
Community engagement from the citizens of the Village of Fort Johnson is a vital part of the process of developing a Proposed Dissolution Plan. On this page you will find questions submitted by Fort Johnson community members, as well as Frequently Asked Questions regarding village dissolution.
Community Submitted Questions:
These are replies to questions posed by fellow members of the Fort Johnson community. Please click on any question below that interests you to view the answer.
To submit your own question, please use the form at the bottom of the page.
1. Would only registered voters be eligible to vote in the referendum on dissolution?
Yes – only registered voters in the Village of Fort Johnson are eligible to vote in the referendum on dissolution. Town voters are not eligible to vote in the Village referendum.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the dissolution process. Please click on any question below that interests you to view the answer.
1. What is a Dissolution Plan?
General Municipal Law Article 17-A provides a unified process for the dissolution of local government entities. The process is applicable to towns, villages, fire protection districts, and special 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 Board of Trustees of the Village of Fort Johnson has voted to explore the option of dissolution of the Village government which would result in absorption of governance and services by the Town of Amsterdam. The Board has applied for CREG grant funding from the New York State Department of State to produce a Proposed Dissolution Plan. This Plan will assist the Board and the residents of Fort Johnson in understanding the potential impacts of dissolution.
In addition to this Plan, the Village will host a public information meeting to answer questions regarding the process and potential outcomes as well as a public hearing during which the Draft Plan will be presented.
2. Was this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Dissolution process?
This is a Board-Initiated Dissolution process. On February 24, 2022, the Village of Fort Johnson Board of Trustees voted to explore the option of dissolution of the Village government, which would result in absorption of governance and services by the Town of Amsterdam. The development of a Proposed Dissolution Plan will provide information regarding the probable impact of a potential dissolution on issues ranging from continuity of governance, to tax rates, to service delivery. Once the Draft Plan has been completed, it will be available for both the Board and Village residents to consider.
Should the Board decide to accept the Plan, thereby advancing the dissolution process, Village residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to dissolve the Village in a referendum.
3. Does Fort Johnson need a Proposed Dissolution Plan?
In accordance with New York General Municipal Law (GML) Article 17-A §774, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Fort Johnson is required to prepare a Dissolution Plan. As mandated by Article 17-A, the Plan will include the following information:
- The name of the local government entity to be dissolved.
- The territorial boundaries of the entity.
- The type and/or class of the entity.
- A fiscal estimate of the cost of dissolution.
- The entity’s assets, including but not limited to real and personal property, and the fair value thereof in current money of the United States.
- Any plan for the transfer or elimination of public employees.
- The entity’s liabilities and indebtedness, bonded and otherwise, and the fair value thereof in current money of the United States.
- Any agreements entered into with the Town in which the entity is situated in order to carry out the dissolution.
- The manner and means by which the residents of the entity will continue to be furnished municipal services following the entity’s dissolution.
- Terms for the disposition of the entity’s assets and the disposition of its liabilities and indebtedness, including the levy and collection of the necessary taxes and assessments therefore.
- Findings as to whether any local laws, ordinances, rules or regulations of the entity shall remain in effect after the effective date of the dissolution or shall remain in effect for a period of time other than as provided by GML Article 17-A §789.
- The effective date of the dissolution.
- The time and place or places for a public hearing or hearings on the proposed dissolution plan.
- Any other matter desirable or necessary to carry out the dissolution.
4. What is the next step after the Proposed Dissolution Plan is developed?
General Municipal Law (GML) Article 17-A lays out the legal process for a Board initiated dissolution. In accordance with Article 17-A, the Village Board must accept by resolution the Proposed Dissolution Plan in order to further the dissolution process. To learn about the full process of a Board Initiated Dissolution, click HERE.
5. Will the Town of Amsterdam vote on the Dissolution Plan?
No. The Town of Amsterdam will have no vote in the Village’s dissolution process. This is considered a local government decision. Only the residents of the Village of Fort Johnson are permitted to participate in the referendum.
6. How can I submit a question?
To submit a question, simply submit the form found at the bottom of this page.
7. Where can I locate more information about the dissolution process?
Check this website periodically for updates. Information will also be available on the Village’s website.
8. Are there other examples in NY State of village dissolutions?
Yes. Please use THIS LINK and then select “Villages Dissolved Since 1900” to access the New York State Department of State’s list of dissolved villages.
Submit a Question
Stay informed and active in the process by using the form below to submit your questions.
A reply to your question will be posted below within 5 business days (without your name). Please check back.
Questions Submitted by the Village of Fort Johnson Community
Responses to questions submitted by members of the Village of Fort Johnson community will be posted below in the order in which they were received.
Updated March 23, 2022