People meet in the Village of Camillus to discuss the pro's and con's of dissolving into the Town of Camillus.
/ Alex Dunbar
CAMILLUS -- Neighbors looking for information about a possible consolidation between the Village and Town of Camillus filled up what would normally be a quiet Village Board meeting. Some neighbors had doubts but others thought maintaining a village of only 1200 residents was an expensive luxury.
"I think times are changing and we have go with that. We have to accept change. It's still going to be here in our hearts because I love the village, I really do," said Linda Demarchi.
On Thursday the Village Board announced that enough signatures had been collected to put dissolving the village to a vote this fall. Between now and then the Village Mayor said he would get residents all the information they need to make a decision.
Supporters said eliminating the village could lower tax bills for both village and town residents thanks to a state grant that encourages consolidation.
"I'm hoping that cool heads prevail and the emotions come out of this whole discussion and they just look at the money," said Helen Kiggins Walsh. "Yes the village is a wonderful place. Our name isn't going away - It's still Camillus."
Not everyone at the meeting was in favor of consolidation. Many people said they appreciate the personalized service of a small village. Diane Curran could see both sides of the issue and wanted more information before making a final choice.
"Sometimes things sound very good and turn out to not be so good. I'm a senior citizen on a fixed budget so I want to know what I vote for," said Curran as she left the meeting.
A vote on whether to dissolve the village into the town is planned for November 8th.
