{"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":"2026-03-27T15:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:27:11","slug":"qa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/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\"><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_container left\"><div class=\"header-content-container center\"><div class=\"header-content\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Village of Whitehall Dissolution Plan<\/h1><span class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_header_subhead\"><\/span><\/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\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<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_left et_pb_text_align_right-tablet et_pb_text_align_right-phone et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_menu_inner_container clearfix\"><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-163\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-home menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-163\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-176\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-175 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-176\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/public-information-meetings\/\">Public Information &amp; Meetings<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-162\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-136 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-162\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/documents-information\/\">Documents &amp; Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-452\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-151 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-452\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/qa\/\">Q&amp;A<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-453\" class=\"et_pb_menu_page_id-326 menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-453\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/whitehall\/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>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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_pb_gutters3 et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 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_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_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;\">Questions &amp; Answers<\/h2>\n<p>Community engagement from the citizens of the Village of Whitehall is a vital part of the process of developing a Village Dissolution Plan. This page features questions submitted by Whitehall community members, as well as Frequently Asked Questions regarding village dissolution.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><strong>To submit your question, please review the questions below and submit your question in the submission form at the bottom of this page.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">1. What is a Dissolution Plan?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Board of Trustees of the Village 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 Whitehall. The Board has secured CREG grant funding from the New York State Department of State to produce a Village Dissolution Plan. This Plan will assist the Board and the residents of Whitehall in understanding the potential impacts of dissolution.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">2. Is this a Board-Initiated or Citizen-Initiated Dissolution process?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><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 absorption of governance and services by the Town of Whitehall. 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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">3. Does the Village need a Dissolution Plan?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><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<\/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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">4. What is the next step after the Dissolution Study is developed?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><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\/whitehall\/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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">5. Will the Town of Whitehall 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 clearfix\"><p>The Town of Whitehall 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 Whitehall 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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">6. Where can I locate more information about the dissolution process?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>Check this website periodically for updates. Information should also be available on the Village\u2019s website.<\/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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">7. Are there other examples in NY State of village dissolutions?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">8. Is the Town obligated to govern the Village if the vote is positive? If not, what happens?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>Should the residents of the Village vote to dissolve the Village, there will no longer be a Village government. As such, all services and governance will be provided by the Town.<\/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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">9. How will county and school taxes be affected for residents of the Village?<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><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\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">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 clearfix\"><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>Village of South Nyack Dissolution Plan \u2013\u00a0<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/southnyack\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/FINAL-Draft-South-Nyack-Dissolution-Plan-06.03.21.pdf\">https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/southnyack\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/FINAL-Draft-South-Nyack-Dissolution-Plan-06.03.21.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Village of Mastic Beach Dissolution Plan \u2013<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/masticbeach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Mastic-Beach-Dissolution-Plan-FINAL-DOCUMENT-2017-03-16for-Upload.pdf\">https:\/\/labergegroup.com\/masticbeach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Mastic-Beach-Dissolution-Plan-FINAL-DOCUMENT-2017-03-16for-Upload.pdf<\/a><\/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 at<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rockinst.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/OH-NY-Village-Dissolutions-001.pdf\">https:\/\/rockinst.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/OH-NY-Village-Dissolutions-001.pdf<\/a><\/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_2 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_0 et_pb_heading et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Submit Your Question<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_4 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div 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