Tedisco, Smullen Bill to Help Village of Northville Passes State Legislature

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) and Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) today announced that both houses of the state legislature have passed their legislation to help taxpayers in the Fulton County Village of Northville receive the highest and most-qualified level of public service from their village government.

The Village of Northville in Fulton County currently has flexibility with hired positions such as highway superintendent. With appointed positions however, they do not have the same flexibility. Their appointed positions include treasurer, village clerk and code enforcement officer. Northville is uniquely positioned on the border of both Hamilton and Saratoga Counties.

Tedisco and Smullen’s legislation, (S.4715A/A.5395), expands the pool of qualified applicants for the Village of Northville’s appointed positions of treasurer, village clerk, and code enforcement officer to include not just Village residents, but also any person who resides within Fulton County or an adjoining county within the state of New York.

The impetus of this legislation, which was introduced at the request of the Village of Northville, was the Village's high rate of turnover of key appointed positions (five code enforcement officers within a seven-year period). These setbacks are damaging to the stability and infrastructure of a community.

Furthermore, a high turnover rate of personnel can be costly to local governments, particularly at a time when municipalities are facing fiscal challenges due to the COVID 19 pandemic

“Our local governments in New York State, particularly in our rural areas, often face many mandates and pressures from our state and federal governments and other fiscal pressures that can hamper their ability to provide the highest level of service to residents. This legislation is a win for Northville taxpayers who will be able to be served at the local level by the most qualified candidates by enabling the Mayor of Northville the flexibility of drawing from a larger pool of appointed positions, while staying within bordering towns inside the Adirondack Park community,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“I couldn't be happier for the residents of Northville that will benefit from this legislation. The added stability this will provide to the Village will serve the community for years to come. I'm proud Senator Tedisco and I were able to pass this bill and truly serve the local community,” said Assemblyman Robert Smullen.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his review.