New Law Alters Consolidation & Dissolution Procedures for NYS Towns & Villages

 

 

In June 2009, the Governor signed into law the NY Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act of 2009, which will take effect on March 21, 2010.  The new law dramatically alters the procedures by which most (but not all) local government entities (including towns, villages and various special districts) may be consolidated and/or dissolved.  While the new law serves the useful purposes of consolidating New York's scattered (and often inconsistent) consolidation and dissolution provisions into one law and imposes uniform procedures for most consolidations and dissolutions, there are numerous ambiguities, omissions and other aspects of the new law that raise many questions as to how well it will be able to deliver on its promise of empowering local governments to, in the words of the law's sponsors, "enhance the delivery of services, achieve savings and reduce local real property taxes and other taxes and fees."

 

 

Charles Grieco a Partner in the Firm's Environmental Practice Group recently presented a CLE on the Citizen Empowerment Act and a copy of his presentation has been made available on our website. If you would like additional information about how the new law may impact your municipality, he can be reached at cgrieco@jaeckle.com or 716.843.3844.