New York – February 18, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — The New York Department of State today announced four Local Government Citizens Reorganization Empowerment Grant (CREG) awards to implement dissolutions as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s plans to make New York State more affordable and provide much needed relief to taxpayers. Grants were awarded to the Village of Herrings in Jefferson County to develop a Dissolution Plan, to the Town of Trenton in Oneida County to implement the dissolution of the Village of Prospect, and to the Town and Village of Hermon in St. Lawrence County to implement dissolution of the Village of Hermon.
“New York State municipalities have made great strides in reducing duplicative government spending and I congratulate these most recent Towns and Villages for their foresight in trying to bring down costs for their constituents,” said Rossana Rosado, Acting New York Secretary of State. “These actions are a sign that residents are seeking to change the status quo and re-imagine the structure of their local governing bodies.”
CREG is a component of the Local Government Efficiency Program managed by the New York Department of State’s Division of Local Government Services. The program provides local governments with funding and technical support for the study, planning and implementation of municipal reorganizations.
In Jefferson County, the Village of Herrings, will receive $25,000 in Expedited Assistance to pay for public referendum expenses and the drafting of a proposed dissolution plan. On November 3, 2015, in response to a citizen petition, the electorate of the Village voted in favor of the Village dissolving into the Town of Wilna. The Village will now work to create a proposed elector initiated dissolution plan and follow the requirements of the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act.
The Town of Trenton, in Oneida County, will receive $50,000 for implementation assistance for the dissolution of the Village of Prospect and the transfer of village responsibilities to the town. This funding will assist the dissolution approved by the voters on July 21, 2015, which became effective on December 31, 2015. Services being conveyed to the town include water and lighting infrastructure.
In St. Lawrence County, the Town and Village of Hermon will both receive $50,000 for implementation assistance for the dissolution of the Village of Hermon. This funding will assist the dissolution approved by the voters on October 27, 2015, which became effective on December 31, 2016. Actions supported by these grants include the integration of the Village and Towns IT systems, digitization of records and records management improvements, disposition of Village-owned real property, consolidation of Town and Village laws, and the development of a comprehensive Asset Management Plan.
“We are really grateful for this generous gift to be able to move forward with the dissolution plan,” stated Village of Herrings Mayor Christal Loeffler.
“The Town of Trenton is pleased to receive the $50,000 award from the State to assist in the integration of all former Village functions into the Town,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Smith. “These funds will help to assure a smooth and efficient transfer of duties and responsibilities, with minimal impact on former Village residents and current residents of the Town.”
“This is exciting news and an exciting time for our community,” said Town of Hermon Supervisor Nicole Bacon Ward. “Many people worked hard on the Dissolution Study and made sure our community was well informed. Their hard work is part of the reason the dissolution vote overwhelmingly passed. Being awarded the Citizens Reorganization Empowerment Grant allows us to move forward on our Comprehensive Plan. We are embracing change and looking forward to great things while working together.”
“The grant award of $50,000 is very much appreciated,” said Village of Hermon Mayor Cathy Race. “It makes the dissolution study even more rewarding and cost-effective for our taxpayers here in Hermon. This money will help pay for the unseen costs involved in transitioning, including local law review, real property disposition, and legal fees. It will also enable us to prepare an Asset Management and Comprehensive Plan—both very valuable tools in planning for Hermon’s future as two communities become one. As we proceed with this daunting task, the Development Authority of the North Country will continue to assist us and provide resources we otherwise would not have, helping to make this a success!”
Communities considering reorganization should contact the New York Department of State, Division of Local Government Services, at 518-473-3355 or visit the website at http://www.dos.ny.gov/lg/ to determine eligibility for CREG funding. Deadlines for applications are 4:00PM on the first Wednesday of each month. Local governments can now submit CREG applications and receive award notification online via the new Gateway Grant Opportunity Portal at www.grantsgateway.ny.gov.
Contact: 518-486-9846
press (at) dos.ny (dot) gov
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