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Editorials
For years many of us who lived in a village believed their government should be dissolved and services taken over by the town; that it was a simple process. Not so, as many of us have recently learned and especially with today’s economy and village debt loads to be paid off.
We are being told that there is a lot of ignorance regarding the process and the public needs to be educated. We are being told that it’s up to government officials to educate the public. Why does that not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling?
According to the Lancaster Bee, Village of Depew Mayor Barbara Alberti “is not eager to have the village disappear.” She is forewarning all village employees that sometime in March when the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act kicks in that there most likely will be a petition for dissolution, especially considering only 1,080 verified signatures would be needed to bring the matter to vote. She is encouraging public employees to unite to save the Village, declaring she fears that resident needs would be lost and that savings will not be had by the dissolution.
While Wade Beltramo, general counsel to the New York Council of Mayors, says he expects 50 villages statewide to begin the process of dissolving villages and encourages said villages to perform studies to complete a plan to determine the cost effectiveness of dissolution and to inform the public of said study results, Mayor Alberti appears to be dead set against the dissolution process. At least, that’s according to the Lancaster/Depew Bees.
One would have to believe Ms. Alberti realizes village dissolution is inevitable. The Village of Lancaster is considering such action, although many of their departments and services have already been consolidated into Town of Lancaster government. Unlike the Village of Lancaster, the only consolidation that took place in Depew was the Assessor’s office. Depew’s dissolution would also encompass two Towns, Cheektowaga and Lancaster; much more complex; that is if consolidation took place and not abolishment.
If Depew abolished its government the towns would have to take over providing services. In turn, the towns would not be required to retain village employees. They could take them in as new hires and save money in the short-term process and lead possibly to redefine contracts that would have long-term savings. The merging of Town and Village police forces did not save Town taxpayers money.
Town residents should be held harmless in the dissolution process. The Village of Depew debt is somewhere around $4 million; a debt village residents would have to pay through special district levy. How much of that debt can be paid off by the sale of buildings, equipment, materials, etc. is unknown at this time; another reason for a study.
The village has a 31 officer police force; one that many believe is no longer affordable. If abolishment took place many on the police force would not be retained by the towns – as would be the situation with other town employees.
Town of Lancaster Council Member Ronald Ruffino recently stated at a Town Board meeting that the Walden Avenue police building was chosen for renovation over a new build facility with the intent of housing the Depew police force should merger take place, now or in the future. Ruffino is intimating Depew dissolution Is likely and the Mayor of Depew is advocating against it. What does he know that others don’t?
There are many other complex issues that need review, but one thing should be first and foremost, public education and involvement. Whatever path is chosen, it should be for the best interest of the residents (villages and towns) and not the government. The Village of Depew residents should and will have their say.
Truth be told, the Village of Depew government does not want to lose its identity and Town of Lancaster government doesn't want any part of the Village of Depew. And, that is the truth!
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