Facts on Consolidation, Dissolution of Local Fire and Water District to Be Discussed
The Long Island Special Districts Association (LISDA) will host a forum on “The Facts on Consolidation and Dissolution of Your Local Fire and Water District.” LISDA representatives will speak at the Town of Oyster Bay’s William P. Bennett Community Center in Hicksville on Wednesday, Oct. 28, starting at 7:30 p.m.
This presentation has been expanded to include the residents of Bethpage, Plainview, Jericho and Westbury. LISDA has extended invitations to the political representatives from the affected areas to provide their insight on special districts.
This past June, the New York State Senate passed the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act as authored by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. LISDA President Karl Schweitzer has arranged for an informative evening covering the facts on consolidation and dissolution as it pertains to the local fire and water districts.
The presentation will include: Potential chapter amendments, cost of a paid fire and water service, the “real” tax impact of special districts, a current update and the current special district initiatives. Following the presentation LISDA is trying to arrange for a panel discussion that includes local Senators, Assemblymen, and representatives from the county and town who have been invited to provide their insight on special districts. Additionally, if time permits, there will be questions from residents to the panel and LISDA representatives.
LISDA supports a streamlined and uniformed consolidation process; however, when the Assembly and Senate considered the bill, LISDA strongly urged for the defeat of the legislation and a redrafting of the legislation to include discussions and input from the people served by special districts, and not a political debate on what some special interest group thinks is best. That did not occur.
According to Schweitzer, this is your opportunity to hear the truth and not be misled by those pushing for consolidation or dissolution of your local government. The bottom line is that the well-managed fire and water districts in these communities generate tax dollars that get re-invested in your community.
This presentation is being co-sponsored by your local special district, and a similar presentation will also be given at Great Neck South High School on Oct. 26 for those residents who cannot make this date.
