LIMESTONE, N.Y. – Residents were provided a second opportunity
Wednesday to comment on the proposed dissolution of Limestone
during an informal public meeting.
Only one audience member was present at the meeting, during
which Chris Mackowski, chair of the Limestone/Carrollton Joint
Planning Board, presented the dissolution plan draft, which
officials worked on for about eight months.
“In order for this to be successful, it’s going to take the
cooperation of the village and the cooperation of the town,”
Mackowski explained.
Mackowski noted that about 50 residents attended a similar
meeting about the dissolution in late March.
This plan calls for dissolving the Village of Limestone, making
it part of the Town of Carrollton. The initiative was brought about
by a petition signed by around 200 citizens in summer 2008.
Mackowski’s presentation detailed the benefits of an
assimilation, most notably a tax cut of about 50 percent for
current Limestone residents and a lesser – but still significant –
cut for those who currently live in Carrollton.
Other benefits would include increased government efficiency, a
simpler budget process and a higher bond rating for public works
projects.
Addressing previously voiced concerns, Mackowski noted that the
current Limestone area may still be renamed the Hamlet of
Limestone, therefore retaining its longtime identity despite losing
governmental control. He added that residents of the area currently
known as Limestone would be able to run for Town of Carrollton
offices if the dissolution happens.
Another chief concern for residents has related to the area’s
water and sewer systems. Mackowski calmed those fears, saying those
not on the current systems would not be forced to pay into any
future systems.
The next step for Limestone is the first official public
meeting, to be held Aug. 28 at the Village of Limestone office.
Mackowski’s group will present the final plan that residents will
vote on Sept. 28 at the same building in a special election.
If the vote passes, Limestone would cease to exist after Dec.
31, 2010.
Residents can also voice comments and questions by contacting
the Village of Limestone office.
