Larkin Bill To Aid In The Merging Of Local Governments Passes Senate

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S.2622-A) sponsored by Larkin to create a uniform procedure for the merging of local governments. The legislation also amends the state’s municipal home rule law and the village law to conform them to this new local government mergers procedure.

"Basically, this legislation gives more authority and flexibility to municipalities by creating a better way for them to merge their local governments if they wish," said Senator Larkin. "This proposal would allow adjoining towns, villages, cities or counties, outside of New York City, or any combination of those, to merge into a single local government. In many cases, when local municipalities choose to do this, there can be significant long-term savings to both the local governments as well as the state."

Under the Larkin proposal, local governments considering merging would be authorized to establish joint study committees and make their recommendations. To initiate a merger, the local governing body of each local government involved would adopt a plan for the merger. The adopted merger plan would then be submitted to electors in each constituent local government for approval.

The bill now goes to the Assembly.