Members of the Village of Williamsville Citizen Study group have finished the most recent phase of their examination of dissolution scenarios. Based on an examination of the special district system, they estimate that taxes on a home assessed at $150,000 would potentially increase by $86 a year.

 

The comparison of a hypothetical home assessed at $150,000 in an existing and dissolved village showed a higher town tax in the existing village. However, the fees associated with special districts for highway, sewer, water, garbage and fire protection raise the overall yearly bill from $2601.11 to $2687.58.

 

The group carried out the study by examining the special districts map and attempting to determine which district Williamsville would become part of should the village dissolve. A special town district for drainage fully surrounds the village. The group found the sewer infrastructure in Williamsville to be most similar to that of the Snyder district. The study assumed that a new water district would be created for Williamsville and managed by Erie County. The group estimated that upgrades to merge the water system would cost approximately $3 million and would be paid off at 3 percent interest over a period of 20 years.

 

“We have now determined that there are no real savings to dissolving the village,” says study group head Chris Duquin.

 

The Williamsville Citizens Study Group intends to hold one final meeting prior to the Aug. 17 vote on village government dissolution. That meeting will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the Village Meeting House, 5658 Main St. near Mill Street. A full explanation of the study is available at www.willvillstudy.org.

 

The Amherst Bee is seeking questions from readers involving the topic of dissolving the government of the Village of Williamsville. Select questions will be given to Kevin Gaughan, who is spearheading the dissolution movement, and Chris Duquin of the Village of Williamsville Citizen Study Group. The deadline for receipt of questions is 5 p.m. Friday, July 30. Questions and answers from both sides will be published in The Bee on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Questions may be mailed to 5564 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221, faxed to 633-8601 or sent via e-mail to williamsvillevote@beenews.com. All questions must include the name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. Not all questions will be published. Voting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville.