{"id":151,"date":"2025-09-25T21:29:55","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T21:29:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsite.newward.com\/?page_id=151"},"modified":"2026-07-27T12:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T12:12:13","slug":"qa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/qa\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&amp;A"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_pb_fullwidth_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<section class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_0 et_pb_fullwidth_header et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_container left\"><div class=\"header-content-container center\"><div class=\"header-content et_flex_module\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Spring-Valley-round-white-1.png\" width=\"223\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Spring-Valley-round-white-1.png 223w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" class=\"header-logo wp-image-524\" title=\"Spring Valley round white 1\" \/><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Village of Spring Valley Dissolution Plan<\/h1><div class=\"et_pb_header_button_wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_scroll\"><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\"><div class=\"et_pb_menu_0 et_pb_menu et_pb_menu--without-logo et_pb_menu--style-left_aligned et_dropdown_animation_fade et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_right-tablet et_pb_text_align_right-phone et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_menu_inner_container et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_menu__wrap\"><div class=\"et_pb_menu__menu\"><nav class=\"et-menu-nav\"><ul id=\"menu-main\" class=\"et-menu nav downwards\"><li id=\"menu-item-636\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-home menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-636\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-637\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-175 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-637\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/public-information-meetings\/\">Public Information &amp; Meetings<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-635\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-136 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-635\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/documents-information\/\">Documents &amp; Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-638\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-151 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-638\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/qa\/\">Q&amp;A<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-639\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-326 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-639\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/sign-up-for-updates\/\">Sign Up for Updates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/nav><\/div><div class=\"et_mobile_nav_menu\"><div class=\"mobile_nav closed\"><span class=\"mobile_menu_bar\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Community engagement from the citizens of the Village of Spring Valley is a vital part of the process of developing a Village Dissolution Plan.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the dissolution process, as well as Community Submitted Questions with answers.\u00a0 Please click on any question below that interests you to view the answer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>To submit your question, please review all of the questions below to see if your question has been asked\/answered. If not, please submit your question in the submission form at the bottom of this page.<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_0 et_pb_accordion et_pb_module et_block_module\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_0 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_open et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 1. What is a Dissolution Plan?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>This is a Board-Initiated Dissolution process. The Village Board of Trustees voted to explore the option of dissolution of the Village government, which would result in the absorption of governance and services by the Towns of Clarkstown and Ramapo. The development of a Village 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_1 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 2. Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Dissolution process?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>This is a Board-Initiated Dissolution process. The Village Board of Trustees voted to explore the option of dissolution of the Village government, which would result in the absorption of governance and services by the Towns of Clarkstown and Ramapo. The development of a Village 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_2 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 3. Does the Village need a Dissolution Plan?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>In accordance with New York General Municipal Law (GML) Article 17-A \u00a7774, the Board of Trustees of the Village is required to prepare a Dissolution Plan under a Board initiated process. As mandated by Article 17-A, the Plan will include the following information:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The name of the local government entity to be dissolved.<\/li>\n<li>The territorial boundaries of the entity.<\/li>\n<li>The type and\/or class of the entity.<\/li>\n<li>A fiscal estimate of the cost of dissolution.<\/li>\n<li>The entity\u2019s assets, including but not limited to real and personal property, and the fair value thereof in current money of the United States.<\/li>\n<li>Any plan for the transfer or elimination of public employees.<\/li>\n<li>The entity\u2019s liabilities and indebtedness, bonded and otherwise, and the fair value thereof in current money of the United States.<\/li>\n<li>Any agreements entered into with the Town in which the entity is situated in order to carry out the dissolution.<\/li>\n<li>The manner and means by which the residents of the entity will continue to be furnished municipal services following the entity\u2019s dissolution.<\/li>\n<li>Terms for the disposition of the entity\u2019s assets and the disposition of its liabilities and indebtedness, including the levy and collection of the necessary taxes and assessments therefore.<\/li>\n<li>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 \u00a7789.<\/li>\n<li>The effective date of the dissolution.<\/li>\n<li>The time and place or places for a public hearing or hearings on the proposed dissolution plan.<\/li>\n<li>Any other matter desirable or necessary to carry out the dissolution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The\u00a0<em>Village Dissolution Plan<\/em>\u00a0will also provide information regarding the probable impact of a potential dissolution on issues ranging from continuity of governance, to tax rates, to service delivery.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of a Board Initiated Dissolution Plan,\u00a0the Village Board has to endorse (not adopt or accept) the Plan and set a date for a public hearing. After the public hearing, the Village Board has the ability to amend the Plan and move it towards a public referendum, or stop the dissolution process.<\/p>\n<p>Please refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-Initiated-Process-Chart-353x1024-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">following chart<\/a> as provided by the NYS Department of State.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_3 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 4. What is the next step after the Dissolution Plan is developed?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>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 Village Dissolution Plan in order to further the dissolution process. To learn about the full process of a Board initiated dissolution, click <a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/documents-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"documents-information\">HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_4 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 5. Will the Towns of Clarkstown and Ramapo vote on the Dissolution Plan? Will only Village residents be able to vote? Is it restricted to property owners who are residents? Does this include part-time residents?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>The Towns of Clarkstown and Ramapo will have no vote in the Village\u2019s dissolution process. This is considered a local government decision. Only Village residents that are legally registered to vote in the Village of Spring Valley are eligible participate in the referendum and vote.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_5 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 6. Where can I locate more information about the dissolution process?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Check this website periodically for updates. Information should also be available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.villagespringvalley.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Village\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_6 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 7. Are there other examples in NY State of village dissolutions?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Yes. Please use <a href=\"https:\/\/dos.ny.gov\/dissolve-village\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"dos.ny.gov\/dissolve-village\">THIS LINK<\/a>, then select \u201cVillages Dissolved Since 1900\u201d to access the New York State Department of State\u2019s list of dissolved villages.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_7 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 8. Are the Towns obligated to govern the Village if the vote is positive? If not, what happens?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Should the residents of the Village vote to dissolve the Village, there will no longer be a Village government. As such, services and governance will be provided by the Towns.<\/p>\n<p>If the Village does not vote to dissolve, governance and service delivery remain the same as it is today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_8 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 9. How will county and school taxes be affected for residents of the Village?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Dissolution does not affect school or county taxes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_9 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 10. Fifteen Villages have dissolved since 2016. What has been the impact on taxes for Town Residents? For Village Residents?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>We are unaware of the existence of any statewide historical research on the post dissolution impact on taxes for village and town residents. However, each Village that has dissolved is required to have developed a dissolution plan that details the projected impact on Village and Town tax rates as well as identifies the anticipated Citizen\u2019s Empowerment Tax Credit. Please feel free to peruse two samples at:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Q-A-South-Nyack-Dissolution-Plan-06.03.21.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Village of South Nyack Dissolution Plan<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Q-A-Mastic-Beach-Dissolution-Plan-2017-03-16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Village of Mastic Beach Dissolution Plan<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Rockefeller Institute of Government has prepared a basic comparative look at the Village Dissolution in Ohio and New York which can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/rockinst.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/OH-NY-Village-Dissolutions-001.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_10 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">FAQ 11. Upon dissolution, do the Towns take over all Village debt? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>No, all Village debt and obligations would remain the responsibility of the former Village residents for repayment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a7a9fac elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a7a9fac\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4e796c0\" data-id=\"4e796c0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a937baf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a937baf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Community Questions &amp; Answers<\/h2>\n<p>Below are questions submitted by community members with answers. Please click on any question below that interests you to view the answer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>To submit your question, please review all of the questions below to see if your question has been asked\/answered. If not, please submit your question in the submission form at the bottom of this page.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_1 et_pb_accordion et_pb_module et_block_module\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_11 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_open et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 1. (7\/7\/26)  Is there a map that shows how the village would be divided up between towns - Ramapo & Clarkstown?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Yes, please click here to view a community location map <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SV-dissolution-map.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Dissolution Plan map\" style=\"color: #008000;\">HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_12 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 2. (7\/21\/26)  Can you explain consolidation vs dissolving? Are we studying both? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>The Village has initiated a Board-Initiated Dissolution process under Article 17-A of the New York General Municipal Law. As a result, the Village is preparing a Dissolution Plan in accordance with the statute. Consolidation is not currently being pursued, although it remains a separate legal option that the Village and the Towns could consider in the future if they choose.<\/p>\n<p>Dissolution would eliminate the Village as a separate municipal government. If dissolution were approved by Village voters, the Village would no longer exist as a legal entity, and governance and municipal services would be provided by the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown. Under a dissolution process, only eligible Village voters vote on whether the Village should dissolve.<\/p>\n<p>Consolidation is different. Consolidation involves combining two or more local governments into a new or continuing governmental structure through a Joint Consolidation Agreement. That agreement is developed by the participating municipalities and typically requires approval by the affected governing boards and voters. Unlike dissolution, consolidation is a joint process involving all participating municipalities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_13 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 3. (7\/21\/26)  Can you share your final report for other towns you studied? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Please see our answer under FAQ 10 for links to two of our other Village dissolution plans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_14 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 4. (7\/21\/26) Will you compare Spring Valley to nearby villages like Suffern, Nyack, etc...? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>A direct benchmarking comparison between Spring Valley and nearby villages is not a primary element of the Dissolution Plan. Each municipality has its own service structure, tax base, staffing model, facilities, local laws, and community priorities, so comparisons to other villages may not accurately reflect the potential impacts of dissolution in Spring Valley.<\/p>\n<p>The Plan may, however, discuss how the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown currently provide services within other village areas where that information helps explain how services could be delivered if dissolution were approved.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_15 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 5. (7\/21\/26)  Will the final report have information on what the Village needs to be fully functional compared to nearby towns? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>The Village has retained Laberge Group to prepare a Board-Initiated Dissolution Plan under Article 17-A of the New York General Municipal Law. The purpose of the Plan is to evaluate the potential impacts of dissolution, including governance, service delivery, fiscal impacts, assets, liabilities, employees, and the transition of municipal responsibilities. The scope does not include preparing a separate staffing, facilities, or operating budget for an expanded or enhanced Village government.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_16 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 6. (7\/21\/26) Can anyone provide the specific details and official reasoning behind why the Village recently rejected the resident-filed petitions to dissolve the Village?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Once a dissolution petition, or any other petition, is received by the Village Clerk, a process of validation is undertaken by the Village Clerk and Attorney.\u00a0 In the case of the dissolution petition received by the Clerk in July 2025, it was determined that the petition lacked the required number of valid signatories to initiate the process of a referendum on the question of Village Dissolution.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_17 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 7. (7\/21\/26)  Will dissolution have any impact on East Ramapo schools, school taxes, or school transportation?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>In New York State, school districts generally operate independently from villages and towns. Dissolution of the Village would not change East Ramapo Central School District operations, school district boundaries, school taxes, or school transportation responsibilities. The only school-related impacts that may need to be evaluated involve municipal services that support school safety or traffic conditions, such as school resource officers, crossing guards, traffic control, or pedestrian safety measures. Those issues will be reviewed as part of the Dissolution Plan where applicable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_18 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 8. (7\/21\/26)  Will police coverage around schools change, including school arrival and dismissal times? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>The level, staffing model, and deployment of police-related services after dissolution would be determined by the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown, consistent with applicable law and the service-delivery approach identified through the dissolution planning process. The Dissolution Plan is intended to evaluate how services such as police coverage, school arrival and dismissal coverage, traffic enforcement, and pedestrian safety could be provided if dissolution were approved. More specific information will be available as the Plan is developed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_19 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 9. (7\/21\/26)  Will emergency response times for schools or neighborhoods change if services are reorganized? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Emergency response impacts cannot be determined until the service-delivery analysis is completed. The Dissolution Plan will evaluate how public safety services could be organized if dissolution were approved, including whether changes in staffing, jurisdiction, deployment, dispatch, or service responsibility could affect response times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_20 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 10. (7\/21\/26)  How will crossing guards, traffic enforcement, and pedestrian safety near schools be affected?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Crossing guards, traffic enforcement, and pedestrian safety are municipal service issues that will be reviewed as part of the Dissolution Plan. If dissolution were approved, responsibility for these functions would need to be assigned to the appropriate Town or other responsible entity, and the service model may differ from the Village\u2019s current approach.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_21 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 11. (7\/21\/26)   Will business licenses, permits, or operating requirements change if the Village dissolves? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Business licensing, permitting, and operating requirements are governed by a combination of State law and local laws, regulations, procedures, and fee schedules. If the Village were dissolved, permits or licenses currently administered by the Village would likely transition to the appropriate Town or other responsible agency, depending on the type of permit and the location of the business. The Dissolution Plan will identify relevant transition issues and provide additional detail as that analysis is completed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_22 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 12. (7\/21\/26)   Will business taxes or fees change? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Yes. If dissolution were approved, Village property taxes would no longer be levied in the same manner because the Village would no longer exist as a separate taxing entity. Businesses may also be affected by changes in local permit fees, license fees, or other municipal charges, depending on how the Towns administer those functions after dissolution. The amount and nature of any tax or fee impacts will be evaluated in the Dissolution Plan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_23 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 13. (7\/21\/26)   Would I need to obtain new permits through the Town of Ramapo or another agency? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>At some point, permits or licenses currently obtained through the Village may need to be obtained from the appropriate Town or another responsible agency. The timing and process would depend on the type of permit, the location of the business, the effective date of dissolution, and the transition approach adopted by the Towns. The Dissolution Plan will address these issues in greater detail as the analysis is completed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_24 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 14. (7\/21\/26)    Will there be a transition period so businesses have time to comply with any new requirements? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Article 17-A provides that Village local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations may remain in effect for up to two years after dissolution unless they are repealed or amended by the appropriate Town Board. This may provide a transition period for certain local requirements, but the specific treatment of permits, licenses, and operating requirements will depend on the decisions made by the Towns and the effective date of dissolution identified in the Dissolution Plan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_25 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 15. (7\/21\/26)   Will local roads, traffic enforcement, or parking regulations change in ways that could affect transportation businesses? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Article 17-A allows Village local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations to remain in effect for up to two years after dissolution unless they are repealed or amended by the appropriate Town Board. During or after that transition period, the Towns may administer traffic enforcement, parking regulations, and local road-related functions differently than the Village currently does. These issues will be addressed in the Dissolution Plan as more information becomes available.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_26 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 16. (7\/21\/26)   If I live in the Village, have two children in East Ramapo schools, own a local transportation business, and pay Village taxes, what are the three biggest changes my family would notice in the first year if dissolution were approved? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>At this stage, the specific first-year impacts cannot be fully determined until the Dissolution Plan is completed. However, the three broad areas most likely to change are taxation, municipal service delivery, and local governance. Village taxes would be affected because the Village would no longer operate as a separate taxing entity. Services currently provided or administered by the Village would transition to the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown or to other responsible entities. Village residents would also no longer elect a Village Board or Mayor to govern the former Village area. The Dissolution Plan will evaluate these impacts in greater detail as the process moves forward.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_27 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 17. (7\/21\/26)   What benefit is there to having a village, aside from paying an additional tax? <\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>A village allows residents within a defined area of a town to have a separate local government with authority over certain services, local laws, land-use decisions, programs, and community priorities. Depending on the village, this may include local policing, code enforcement, zoning and land-use controls, recreation programming, snow removal, road maintenance, or other municipal services. The central question in a dissolution process is whether the benefits of maintaining a separate Village government outweigh the costs and whether services could be provided effectively through the Towns or other responsible entities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_accordion_item_28 et_pb_accordion_item et_pb_toggle et_pb_module et_pb_toggle_close et_block_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Q 18. (7\/27\/26)   What happens after the plan is finished? Does it go to a referendum? Can the Trustees & Mayor vote it down and there not even be a referendum? If they vote it down (no referendum), can we do another petition to force a referendum?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content\"><p>Article 17\u2011A contains a number of specific procedural requirements and statutory timelines (please refer to the flow chart <a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/springvalley\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Board-Initiated-Process-Chart-353x1024-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a> for a summary of the process).<\/p>\n<p>Once the Dissolution Plan has been completed, it is submitted to the Village Board for consideration. As outlined in the flow chart, the Village Board may choose to endorse the plan (which is not the same as formally approving it) and authorize its presentation to the public through a public hearing.<\/p>\n<p>Following the public hearing, the Village Board has the option to adopt the Dissolution Plan and proceed with a referendum, allowing village residents to vote on the proposed dissolution. Alternatively, the Village Board may determine not to move forward with the process at that stage, in which case no referendum would be held.<\/p>\n<p>If a referendum is not authorized by the Village Board, residents may still pursue dissolution through the citizen-initiated petition process established under Article 17\u2011A of the New York State General Municipal Law, subject to the applicable statutory requirements and signature thresholds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_0 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Submit Your Question 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