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On Thursday, Cherry Creek becomes the third village within the past year to consider dissolution in Chautauqua County. In November, Forestville solidified its first decision to eliminate village government in 2015 and more recently, Sherman voted to keep its village by a narrow two-vote margin in December.
Cherry Creek's vote may be just as close -- and we believe it is in the best interest of both town and village residents to eliminate an unnecessary layer of government.
Currently, the village's population is about 452. Under current state law, Cherry Creek is below the minimum threshold of 500 residents to establish a village. Like other entities, declining population and increasing costs have led to an exodus of residents.
But what makes dissolution so appealing in this case is it is a win-win for both the town and village. According to a study done by the Center for Governmental Research, long-term savings are expected if the village is eliminated. In addition, town residents would see taxes decrease by more than $1 per assessed valuation.
And taxes are a big deal in this proposal. Consider this: from 2011 to 2016, the village tax rate has increased 123.7 percent. That is huge. Even Forestville, which boosted taxes more than 100 percent in 2014, only had a 101 percent increase in that same time span.
Thursday's vote takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the village and fire hall at 6763 Main St.
Cherry Creek, even as two entities, is looked at by many as one. A pro-dissolution result will only reinforce that belief.