1. What is a Consolidation Plan?
2. Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Consolidation Process?
3. Does Pawling need a Consolidation Plan?
4. What is the next step after the referendum?
5. Will there be additional public meetings?
6. Will both the Town and Village of Pawling vote on the Consolidation?
7. How can I submit a question or concern?
8. Where can I locate more information about the Consolidation Process & Findings?
9. Are there other examples in the State of Consolidations?
10. Is this a vote to conduct a study or a vote on whether or not to consolidate?
11. Will there be a second vote?
12. Will the Town and Village received over a $750,000 grant if they consolidate to lower our taxes?
13. What is the likelihood that Pawling will receive the CETC at 100%? What is the likelihood of receiving the credit in subsequent years? Does this matter?
-
What is a Consolidation 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 Town and Village of Pawling have not yet voted to consolidate, therefore a Consolidation Plan is not required. However, the Town and Village Boards have determined it appropriate to develop an Interim Report on Consolidation to assist the residents of Pawling in understanding the effects and costs of consolidation, as well as any potential alternatives that may be preferred prior to the vote on consolidation. In addition to this Report, the Town and Village will host a series of public information meetings to answer questions regarding the process and potential outcomes. If a grant is awarded, the Study and meetings are mostly funded by the New York State Department of State, however applicable grants are currently on hold pending program and budget review due to the current State budget deficit. top
-
Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Consolidation process?
This is a Citizen-Initiated Consolidation process. In July, 2020, the electorate of the Town of Pawling submitted a petition for consolidation in accordance with the Article 17-A of General Municipal Law. The Town petition contained 618 valid signatures. In July, 2020 the electorate of the Village of Pawling submitted a petition for consolidation in accordance with the Article 17-A of General Municipal Law. The Village petition contained 165 valid signatures. The Town Board has passed a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposed consolidation by the electors at their September 2, 2020 Board Meeting, while the Village Board passed a resolution calling for a Village referendum at their September 1, 2020 Board Meeting. top
-
Does Pawling need a Consolidation Plan?
The residents of both the Town and Village of Pawling will vote on a date not less than 60 days or more than 90 days from September 2, 2020 on whether to consolidate the Town and Village. A Consolidation Plan is not required unless the referendum vote passes. However the Town and Village Boards have determined it appropriate to develop an Interim Report on Consolidation, to assist the residents of Pawling in understanding the effects and costs of consolidation, as well as any potential alternatives that may be preferred prior to the vote on consolidation. In addition to this Report, the Town and Village will host a series of public information meetings to answer questions regarding the process and potential outcomes. If successful, the study and meetings may funded by a New York State Department of State grant, however however applicable grants are currently on hold pending program and budget review due to the current State budget deficit. top
-
What is the next step after the referendum?
If the vote passes, the Town and Village Boards will be required to meet within 30 days following the referendum vote. The Town and Village Boards will then have 180 days to create a Consolidation Plan and set a future public hearing. top
-
Will there be additional public meetings?
Yes. Both the Town and Village Boards will be provide a public informational meeting prior to the vote. Additional public meetings will be scheduled.
Check the website often for additional information. top
-
Will both the Town and Village of Pawling vote on the Consolidation?
Yes. Both the Town and Viallage of Pawling will hold a referendum. top
-
How can I submit a question or concern?
Questions or concerns can be emailed to the Town and Village of Pawling’s consultant, Laberge Group – Ben Syden.
Written comments may be submitted directly to either the Town Clerk or Village Clerk at:
Town of Pawling
160 Charles Colman Blvd.
Pawling, NY 12564
or
Village of Pawling
9 Memorial Avenue
Pawling, NY 12564
-
Where can I locate more information about the Consolidation Process & Findings?
Check this website periodically for updates. It will be available on this site, in the local newspaper, and posted at both the Town Hall and Village Municipal Building. top
- Are there other examples in the State of consolidations?
No. There has not been a Village or Town Consolidation in New York State. There have been a number of Village Dissolutions. Please use this link to access the New York State Department of State’s list of Dissolved and Incorporated Villages. top
- Is this a vote to conduct a study or a vote on whether or not to consolidate?
This is a vote to consolidate, not to conduct a study. Should the majority of citizens in both the Town and Village vote “Yes,” the consolidation process will be initiated in accordance with Article 17-A of General Municipal Law. top
- Will there be a second vote?
There is not a second vote guaranteed. If consolidation passes referendum with a majority “Yes” vote from both the Village and the Town, the municipalities will move ahead with the consolidation by developing a Proposed Consolidation Plan. Voters do not have input in the development of this Plan, however, there is a public hearing where residents can provide comments for consideration. If the voters are not happy with the Plan when it is completed and presented, they may submit a petition within 45 days forcing a new referendum. This petition must contain signatures of at least 25% of voters from both jurisdictions to bring about a vote on the Plan. For a graphic representation of this process, please see “The Consolidation Process.”
If the requisite 25% of signatures are gathered from voters of both jurisdictions, the Town and Village Boards will enact a resolution calling for a referendum on the question of whether or not to approve the Consolidation Plan. That referendum must be held within 60-90 days. If a majority votes in favor of the plan taking effect, the Consolidation will take effect on the date specified in the Plan. Without a majority vote, the referendum will fail and the consolidation will not take place. top
- Will the Town and Village received over a $750,000 grant if they consolidate to lower our taxes?
If the Town and Village consolidate under Article 17-A, they are eligible for a grant in the form of enhanced Aid to Municipalities for up to 15% of their combined municipal pre-tax levy, so long as the State Budget includes an appropriation for the purpose. 70% of the Citizen Empowerment Tax Credit must be used to directly lower the tax levy of the new Consolidated Government. As these funds have to be re-appropriated each fiscal year, they are not guaranteed.
PLEASE NOTE – Due to the current fiscal crisis, the 2020 Citizen Empowerment Tax Credit provided to municipalities that previously dissolved were reduced by 20%. top - What is the likelihood that Pawling will receive the CETC at 100%? What is the likelihood of receiving the credit in subsequent years? Does this matter?
CETC is part of law and is supposed to be available in perpetuity subject to appropriation in the State budget. It is appropriated in the same manner as Aid to Localities and CHIPS funding. We encourage all communities that are deliberating the dissolution/consolidation process to review their process through the eyes of governance, and not base their decision solely on a potential tax cut or grant. We cannot speak for the New York State Legislature and the budget process, but in non COVID times it has been included in the budget. In the State fiscal year 2020-2021 it was appropriated, but due to the fiscal crisis it was cut by 20%.
top
Page Updated October 26, 2020