Representatives from the Town and the Village continue to meet monthly to discuss the possibility of consolidating Cazenovia governments.  Actual consolidation would take us several steps further than the current system of extensive shared services and frequent cooperation between the municipalities.  To help analyze the potential for creating efficiencies and/or tax savings, we are in the process of creating subcommittees to collect and analyze information in the areas of public safety; zoning and planning; and highways/parks/public works.

While details of the grant are still pending, Cazenovia has received word that it is in line to receive funding from the New York Department of State to assist with its study of potential consolidation. These funds could be used to hire outside consultants or meet other related expenses.

An important part of the process will be getting input from the public.  The  study committee has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, August 29^th at 7 PM in the High School Auditorium, 31 Emory Avenue.  A representative from the NYS Division of Local Government Services will provide an overview of the process of consolidation, and talk briefly about the experiences of other municipalities.  We will also introduce members of our committee who will respond to audience questions and listen to potential concerns from citizens.  We invite everyone to attend this meeting and let us know what your thoughts are, and what questions you have.

The 2016 Annual Water Quality report is now available on the “Water and Sewer” page of the Village of Cazenovia website or from the Village Clerk.

The Village and Town of Cazenovia, with the assistance of the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association, has applied to the New York Department of State for a grant to study a potential consolidation of the two municipalities. The concept, which was announced by the Mayor and Town Supervisor in March of 2016 has been studied informally for nearly a year and local leaders feel that the concept has significant merit. With the aid of CACDA, the Village and Town prepared an application which consists of Phase 1 of the process. If successful, funds will be awarded for Phase 2 which would allow more detailed analysis with the assistance of a professional consultant. If the community opts to proceed, Phase 3 would involve merging some elements such as the courts and highway departments and would culminate with Phase 4, consolidation of the two municipalities. Local leaders are committed to the principles that the initiative will result in greater efficiency, equal or enhanced services for both village and town residents and equal or lower taxes for both village and town residents.

The 2015 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is now available on the village website on the Water and Sewer page or at the village office. Call the village office at 655-3041 if you have any questions about the report.

Officials from the Village and Town of Cazenovia have announced that they will begin a process to examine options for potential savings together. The goal is for both municipalities to provide the best possible service to citizens while keeping taxes as low as possible. This will be a thoughtful, deliberate process with many possible options and outcomes. No decisions have been made about the final course(s) of action: that will be determined by the process, which will include extensive public input. Grant money is currently available from New York State to conduct this process, which Cazenovia will be applying for. More information will be provided at upcoming meetings of the Village and Town. General information about the consolidation process (one possible outcome) can be found at:  http://www.dos.ny.gov/lg/lge/dissolution.html