Village of Middleburgh voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposition to dissolve their village Tuesday.
Former Mayor gary Hayes brought forth the idea, claiming it would save money for Town of Middleburgh residents and and increase efficiency for both the village and the town.
Only 71 residents agreed, however.
Tuesday's vote went down, 344-71.
Under state law, the village was required to put the proposition up to a vote because it came as the result of a petition submitted by residents.



COBLESKILL DISSOLUTION/CONSOLIDATION STUDY MOVES AHEAD

As the Village of Cobleskill looks at dissolution, it's important to think about what it could mean for the Town of Cobleskill.
With that in mind, Ryan McAllister, a member of the six-person committee picked by Mayor Mark Galasso to look at the plusses and minuses of such a move, told Supervisor Tom Murray and fellow councilmen last Monday that he'll keep them updated on the group's discussions.
Mr. McAllister is a town councilman who lives in the village.
Mayor Galasso has also said he'll provide updates at each village meeting.
Mr. McAllister said he supports dissolution, but added that the committee is made up of representatives from both sides of the issue as well as those who are in the middle.
If dissolving the village comes to a vote-as Mayor Galasso has promised it will-only village residents will be able to vote on it, Mr. McAllister pointed out.
The group has already looked at the Fire and EMS and Recreation Departments, because they're the easiest: fire and EMS already serve the town, he said, and since 1976, the town and village have had a joint recreation agreement.
Under dissolution, he said, the Fire Department would be transferred to the town, but would require a Board of Fire Commissioners.
It's uncertain, he said, whether the town board could fill that role or whether commissioners would need to be elected-or whether they'd be paid.
In addition to providing kids' activities, the Rec Commission oversees the village parks-some of which are in better shape than others and some of which could be considered liabilities.
Thursday, Mr. McAllister said, the committee will look at the Planning and Zoning and Police Departments-both of which would be more complicated under dissolution.
Under state law, he said, police departments can't have boundaries that are different from the municipality's.
That means unless special state legislation was enacted, a town police department would have to patrol the entire town-something few outside-village town residents support, he said.
One option would be to keep the village as a "shell" for the PD, he said, but that raises a zoning issue: If there is an incorporated village, the town has no right to zone there.
Once it's looked at these issues, Mr. McAllister said, the dissolution committee will move onto clerks and Buildings & Grounds.
Finally, they'll tackle the water and Sewer Departments, because they're self-sufficient and will remain as districts.