NORWICH – A newly formed group by the name of the Chenango Community Forum gathered for its first session in the community room of the Guernsey Memorial Library Wednesday night, taking on the first of many controversial issues the group plans to discuss: Local government consolidation and shared services.
The community forum, arranged by a small group of county residents as a place for civil conversation regarding controversial topics, opened to all community members with the expectation that people can agree to disagree on hot-button issues that impact the area.
City of Oneonta Mayor Richard Miller attended as a guest speaker for the evening. Like numerous municipalities statewide, Oneonta is burdened with financial challenges imposed by increasing state regulations, decreasing state financial aid and a two percent tax levy, which forces city and town officials and residents to seriously discuss the potential of consolidating services between the City of Oneonta and the Township of Oneonta.
While some argue that consolidation is an unnecessary measure to stabilize local governments, those who attended the forum – including numerous Norwich city officials – voiced a degree of support for consolidation efforts. Miller addressed the benefits of consolidation and the barriers that keep officials from moving forward in the process.
Among the barriers, he said, is a fear of property tax increases, a loss of traditional values between two consolidating governments, and different service expectations between city and township residents.
“The barriers to having that conversation are unbelievable. When strongly held views stand in the way of collaboration, it’s a shame,” said Miller. “There are different service expectations than what we have in the city,” he explained, noting an increased pressure from state officials for local governments to share services.
“Part of the problem is we aren’t desperate yet,” he went on to say. “In the midst of desperation, there might be more talk about consolidation ... The question is, what are the things government really has to do for us and what are people willing to pay for those services.”
Norwich City Mayor Joseph Maiurano added to the debate, emphasizing that there would be different taxing and zoning laws between city and township residents should the two governments consolidate.
Sherburne resident Bruce Erath noted that fear plays a factor in consolidation efforts as well.
“The problem is people are scared,” Erath said. “While all this [arguments for consolidation] makes logical sense, the closer we get to it actually happening, the scarier it gets.”
Other concerns were highlighted by Bruce Braswell of Norwich, who asked how a “personable touch” could be maintained among residents and elected officials should local governments consolidate.
The next issue discussed by the Chenango Community Forum will address the value of taxes, with guest speaker Chenango County Treasurer William Craine. The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13 at Guernsey Memorial Library.